What is Layering?     

Layering is wearing a combination of clothes to regulate your body temperature, so you don't overheat or get cold.  The system must match the climate conditions you are in, your activity level and your individual thermostat.  Layers are broken into three categories:  Inner/Comfort, Mid/Warmth, and Outer/Protection.  These three layers act in unison (to trap heat, wick moisture, breathe, block wind, and repel water) but individually each layer performs specific functions. 

Inner Layer:  The inner layer, also called a base layer, is the first layer of clothing you wear, directly contacting your skin.  Long or short sleeve tops, full-length bottoms or briefs, and sock liners are examples of inner layers.  A base layer should fit snug.

Mid Layer:  The mid layer should be a looser fit than the inner layer, but not baggy.  It needs to maintain contact with the inner layer to function properly.  These materials are designed to trap and hold your body heat in small air spaces in the material; hence, why mid layers can feel lofty.  Mids layers are also designed to carry moisture away from the inner layer, moving it from the body and pushing it to the outer layer.  Mid layer materials range significantly, but some common ones are fleece, polyester, down, and wool.

Do I Always Need Three Layers?

No.  You'll always want to start with a non-cotton inner layer, though.  Sometimes this layer and shorts may be all you need in hot temperatures or high aerobic activities.  Mid layers provide the most flexibility, letting you adapt to most temperatures and activity levels.  If there's no wind or rain, you might not need an outer layer - at that particular moment.  Yet, the weather constantly changes, so it's better to have an outer shell you can store and retrieve it when needed.  This is especially true on multi-day treks.

Say Goodbye to Cotton     

Don't wear cotton clothing as part of a layering system.  You might get by wearing a cotton T-shirt fishing in a boat on a mild summer day, or wearing cotton socks for some minor yard work, but once you get active cotton works against you.  Cotton's inherent properties cause it to trap moisture, as oppose to releasing it.  When damp cotton is against your body it draws heat from you.  Also, if you're wearing damp cotton socks or underwear it can cause discomfort and chafing.  Do yourself a favor and replace the cotton clothes you have for sport activities with new synthetic or wool ones.

Layering Tips:

• Don't let yourself overheat when outdoors.  Peel off layers as needed to regulate your temperature when active, and add layers when not generating enough heat.

• Err on having too many layers.  It's better to be prepared and flexible, than to be underdressed and exposed to cold-related risks.

• If you're active and then plan to be stationary for a long time (such as walking to an ice fishing spot), consider bringing an extra inner layer and changing into this new one after the activity.  It's tough to change in cold temperatures but the dry clothes will do wonders for your comfort.

• Don't forget to stay hydrated when outdoors.  The effects of dehydration will counter act the effectiveness of your layering system and your body's ability to keep you warm.

Proper layering is one of the most fundamental concepts in outdoor recreation.  Learn how to layer and you'll be more comfortable outdoors.  Stay away from cotton, focus on using the three layers where appropriate, and remove layers to prevent overheating or add them to stay warm.  Follow these basic rules, and you'll get a lot more enjoyment from your time outdoors.
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55 Years of Scouting
Celebrating Over a Half Century of Scouting Traditions with Troop 740

Do you have any vintage pictures of Troop 740?  We are looking for historical memorabilia to be included in an online scrapbook of the last 55 years of Troop 740.  If you have anything that should be included in this new section please contact the webmaster. 

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Suggestion Box
Send your suggestions to Troop 740 by clicking on the suggestion box.

Inclement Weather Policy:
~If Baltimore County schools are closed, or close early due to bad weather, the Troop's regular meetings are cancelled.  Regardless if weather improves, the meeting will be still be cancelled.  This is an IHM Parish Policy.
~If Baltimore County schools open late, but close at normal time, the Troop will meet as scheduled.
~If Phase II of the Snow Emergency Plan is in effect in Baltimore County at 6:30PM, the Troop's regular meeting is canceled.
~As the Troop website may not be able to be immediately updated during a sudden change of plans, please contact the Scoutmaster or a Patrol Leader with any questions or concerns about adjustments in the schedule.

During Court of Honor Ceremonies on October 7, 2006 and December 9, 2006 both Matthew Bocian and Reid Brinkley have become Troop 740's two newest Eagle Scouts.  Currently Assistant Scoutmasters, Matt and Reid plan to stay involved with the troop.  Congratulations!  - Including Frank McGough, who has passed his Eagle Board of Review recently, Troop 740 has had 40 Scouts earn the rank of Eagle.

After successful completion of their Board of Reviews, John L. earned his Tenderfoot rank, and Nick H. and Wil E. continue to climb toward Eagle by becoming Star scouts.

Congratulations to our newly elected Senior Patrol Leader Kyle K.  Pat Z. was chosen as his Assistant.  Senior Patrol Leaders are the top junior leader in the troop and are responsible for planning and running all troop events, meetings and activities.  SPLs typically serve a 6 month term, and can be re-elected.

Pack 740's webpage is up and running. Visit it today!

Camp Profile Pages has moved to it's own page.  See it along with new camp profiles here.

Update: 10/21/06: Mr. Cliff is at Manor Care on Joppa Road in Towson.  Email the Troop Committee for Contact information.  He enjoys seeing and hearing from his Scouting friends.
 
Troop 740 regrets to inform you that we have suffered a loss to our scouting family:
It is with a very heavy heart I have to send you this notice.

Marietta Gross, wife of Ed Gross our Committee Chairman, passed away this week.

She was a very sweet person. We have decided to cancel the camping trip
that was scheduled for this weekend and there will be no meeting this Friday
night, so we can pay our respects to the family. 

I have enclosed the link to the notice in the Sun paper today for
information on the viewing and services.  Also you can leave a little note
if you wish.

Yours in Scouting,
Peter Zirpolo
Scoutmaster, Troop 740
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Upcoming Events:
Check the Schedule on the Home Page for the most recently updated list of events and meetings.

Scout Meeting Friday January 26, 2007 @ 7:00pm (8:30 Merit Badge Workshop)
IHM Scout Meeting Room

Scout Meeting Friday February 2, 2007 @ 7:00pm (8:30 Merit Badge Workshop)
IHM Scout Meeting Room
Special: Money and Permission Slips due for February's Broadcreek Camping Trip

Scout Meeting Friday February 9, 2007 @ 7:00pm (8:30 Merit Badge Workshop)
IHM Scout Meeting Room

Crier Delivery Saturday February 10, 2007 @ 9:15am
IHM Front Parking Lot

Cabin Camping at Lookout Lodge, Camp Saffran, BCMSR (Whiteford, Maryland)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday February 16-18, 2007
Meet at: IHM Troop Shed/ Rear Parking Lot @ 5:00pm Friday

Scout Meeting Friday February 23, 2007 @ 7:00pm (8:30 Merit Badge Workshop)
IHM Scout Meeting Room

Scouting For Food Bag Distribution Saturday February 24, 2007 @ 9:15am
IHM Front Parking Lot
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Visit the Troop's Website today!
More information on upcoming trips, events and meetings is only a click away