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Any outdoor trip that is to be conducted as a troop or patrol program must have the scoutmaster’s approval in advance.

Every outdoor trip approved by the scoutmaster must have a minimum of three adult leaders. This spreads the load, and helps assure a safe trip. Four or more leaders are preferable, however. Since the Boy Scouts of America does not allow one-on-one adult presence with a scout, having four adult leaders would allow two adults to accompany an injured or sick scout, and two adults staying with the remainder of the group. If only three leaders are on the trip, the whole group would have to accompany an injured or sick scout.

Every outdoor trip must have a Trip Leader. The role of the Trip Leader is to assure that BSA and Troop 419 policies are followed at all times. Only registered, trained, experienced and skilled adult leaders who have the scoutmaster’s approval can be a Trip Leader. "Trained" means to have completed the Boy Scout Leader Fast Start and Scoutmastership Fundamentals programs. "Experienced" means to have enough outdoor experience with the troop to be able to deal with most situations that might arise for the particular trip being planned. This includes having backpacking experience if it’s to be a backpacking trip, or canoeing experience if it’s to be a canoe trip, etc. "Skilled" means to possess the outdoor skills needed for the particular trip, as defined in the Boy Scout Handbook. "Skilled" also means to be able to facilitate the Patrol Method during the entire trip. "Skilled" also means to be able to deal with any youth protection issues that may arise.

Trip Leaders are responsible for assuring that Troop 419’s "T-MINUS" program is followed as close as possible. This includes making sure that each menu is approved, either by him/herself, or a qualified assistant scoutmaster. Trip Leaders are responsible for making sure that equipment is secured. Trip Leaders are responsible for making any decisions related to exceptions to the Troop T-MINUS program, such as whether or not a scout can sign up after T-MINUS-3, but should consult the scoutmaster first before making any exceptions.

Trip leaders are responsible for providing an information sheet on the fourth troop meeting prior to the campout (T-MINUS-4). This sheet should include location of trip, times of departure and approximate time of arrival back to town, a description of itinerary/activities, and any special equipment requirements.

Trip leaders are responsible for handing out permission slips to all who may attend the trip. This should be done together with information sheets (T-MINUS-4). Permission slips should be returned to the trip leader with parents’ signature and insurance information filled in no later than T-MINUS-3. Trip leaders should retain the permission slips while on the trip.

Trip leaders are responsible for providing copies of a map of the area where the group will be camping/hiking/backpacking. Each participant, scout and adult, should have a copy.

Tour Permits are required for any outdoor camping trip. These are available from the scoutmaster, and should be filled out and submitted to the council office in advance of the trip. A member of the troop committee, preferably the troop committee chairman, must sign the Tour Permit before it is submitted to the council. Trip leaders should have their portion of the processed Tour Permit in their possession at all times during the trip.

Trip leaders should be aware of any special medical needs of anyone in his group. The scoutmaster has detailed medical information on each scout.

Trip leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation for the trip. Every participant should have a seat belt, and equipment should be hauled safely.