I mentioned that we conduct an annual group gear purchase from Campmor on podcast 39.
We started doing this at least ten years ago. Before this we would give a Scout a list of gear he needed and he would come back with whatever he and his parents could find. This led to Scouts spending more than they needed and choosing gear that may or may not be suitable.
A member of the Troop Committee collects the order forms, collates them into a single order and sends them to Campmor. This is according to the procedure outlined below in the extended portion of this post and includes directions to set up and administer a Troop account.
It bears repeating that this is not a discount for individual orders or personal shopping - only for ones made through an established account.
Here's a typical list -
Gear |
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Number |
Description |
Each |
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|
9038 |
Dragonfly External Frame Youth Pack - I have reviewed this pack here well made, inexpensive and adjustable. |
$39.99 |
|
|
80620 |
Slumberjack Latitude 20 F Sleeping Bag Short - Fits to 5 ft. 4 in. I try to choose a decent but inexpensive mummy sleeping bag. Campmor usually has one at a discount. The exact model generally changes from year to year. |
$39.98 |
|
|
2303 |
Sleeping Bag Straps - I consider these to be a 'must have' item. No bungee cords or bits of string please. |
$3.99 |
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|
41312 |
Standard Size Closed Cell Foam Pad - The best option for Scouts |
$10.99 |
|
|
84733 |
Storm Alert Whistle - See my review here |
$5.99 |
|
|
81216 |
Silva 1-2-3 Compass - See my review here |
$9.99 |
|
|
86702 |
Backpacker’s Trowel - For making cat holes and sump holes. |
$2.99 |
|
|
82769 |
Energizer® AAA LED Head Beam Headlamp - Honestly you can probably do better at a big retailer as these are pretty commonly available nowadays. |
$15.99 |
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I Insist that every Scout has a set of polyro long underwear, rain pants and a rain jacket on every camping trip. (No, they don't always comply - thanks for asking.) If we get caught in the rain, snow or cold and they are wearing the polypro and rain gear I can keep them safe from hypothermia. They may not be dry or toasty warm but they will be safe.
Clothing |
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|
Number |
Description |
Each |
|
|
90050 |
Wigwam Dry Foot Polypropylene Liner Socks - Important to keep feet dry and prevent blisters. |
$4.99 |
|
|
99602 |
Wigwam El-Pine Ragg Socks - Thick and warm. |
$6.99 |
|
|
47140 |
$10.99 |
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|
47139 |
Coldpruf Polypropylene crew neck shirt - Campmor usually has a set of polypo long underwear priced in this range. The brand will change from year to year. My review of polypro can be found here. |
$10.99 |
|
|
75131 |
Manzella Ragg Wool Gripper Finger Free Gloves - You can cook and do most camp related tasks easier with these than with regular gloves. |
$7.99 |
|
|
92876 |
Manzella Polypropylene Balaclava - Great for sleeping wicks away mositure while hiking. |
$7.99 |
|
|
77699 |
$22.99 |
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|
77701 |
Campmor Cascade II Rain Pants - A durable rainsuit is a must. Ponchos and inexpensive rain gear do not work. See my Ten Tips for Camping in the Rain |
$15.99 |
|
See my Highly Evloved Mess Kit
Cookwear
|
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|
Number |
Description |
Each |
|
|
80921 |
Aladdin 12 oz. Insulated Mug -Any insulated mug will do. |
$3.99 |
|
|
80900 |
Nalgene Wide Mouth 32 oz. Bottle (BPA Free) |
$5.99 |
|
|
80756 |
$2.99 |
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To set up a group discount account with Campmor follow the guidelines below:
Allison Koop is in charge of BSA accounts and orders at Campmor. She was gracious enough to answer a couple of questions:
Q: I know Scout leaders are usually a good bunch but I imagine that you encounter perennial problems in your job working with them (as one would in any job). Is there anything I can tell them NOT to do that would make your job easier?
A: The only problem that seems to occasionally arise is that the person that was designated as the liaison between the troop and Campmor will tell parents to call me directly with their orders. We don’t discount on an individual basis as mentioned in the guidelines but sometimes they forget this.
At times new customers are taken back by the ordering procedure but once they place an order they realize that it’s really not that difficult. Their BSA orders will receive personal attention. They don’t just run through the system automatically. Since I actually handle each order, if there are any questions or problems with the order I will contact the customer right away.
Q: You specify that the account must be set up 'in writing' - do you accept emails or faxes or must this be done through mailing the documents in?
The troop charter and tax exempt form can be scanned and attached to an email or sent by fax. The documentation only needs to be submitted with the troop’s first order. I will keep it on file.
The only time that an order needs to be mailed in is if payment is in the form of a troop check. If paying with a credit card they can be submitted by email and fax.
Allison also sent the guidelines below. As a matter of courtesy please read these terms carefully and don't ask for alterations to them. As a matter of trust note that the discount is specifically for items used on Troop outings - not for personal shopping.
CAMPMOR BSA ORDER GUIDELINES
We extend a 10% discount on most items for Boy Scout troops.Please know that we are unable to discount Garmin products or items with prices that end in a 6, for example $99.96, $119.96 etc. These items have already been discounted.
Any item may be purchased as long as it is being used for troop outings.
BSA orders must be submitted in writing. At the time that you place your order we ask that you submit a copy of your troop charter (the display page only) and your tax exempt form.
If you are paying with a credit card all info (except for your credit card number) must be sent in via fax or email. I will contact you via phone for your credit card number and review your order with you. Please include billing and shipping addresses along with a daytime phone number. Also submit items numbers, quantities and a brief description of the item(s) that you are interested in. If paying with a troop check, please mail all info in together. We unfortunately cannot offer this discount on an individual basis. One person from your troop should handle your troop orders.
Orders placed via our call center or our web site will bypass this department and the discount will not be applied.
Shipping charges apply to all BSA orders. Our standard shipping rates apply to orders that are under 40lbs. ($7.99 for UPS ground) Orders that exceed 40lbs are charged the actual cost of UPS ground shipping from NJ to the destination.
Allison Koop
Campmor Institutional Sales
PO Box 680
400 Corporate Drive
Mahwah, NJ 07430
800-226-7667 x 6215
800-230-2153 Fax
allisonk at campmor.com
Your link to the Highly Evolved Mess Kit is broken and I'm intrigued. Could you fix and let me know?
Posted by: Jay Beavers | October 28, 2010 at 03:06 PM