If you are a Boy or Girl Scout master, then you know how frustrating it can be to try to function under the monetary constraints that most troops have to face. Fortunately there is an excellent source of tents and camping equipment available to you for just a fraction of the price that you would expect to pay at the local sporting goods store. I speak of course of used military surplus tents and equipment.
These surplus items are used but in good repair, replaced as military units come out of the field, they are not re-issued, but are in excellent condition. Some are new or like new as they are replaced by updated models or styles. Used military surplus is not only designed to win wars, in many cases the items you purchase will have done just that… helped to win a war. What greater honor could a Boy Scout have than to proudly wear the very backpack that some unknown big brother had worn during combat in Iran, Kuwait, or Viet Nam? What greater peace could come than the knowledge that they are sleeping in a tent that sheltered American fighting men and women during a wartime conflict? Used military surplus tents and equipment is the perfect answer for a struggling troop trying to make ends meet. Young scouts will find the tents and backpacks to be durable and able to withstand the constant barrage of stress and strain that young hands and feet can inflict on material items.
While there are lots of options in camping gear, some of which is very cheaply priced, bear in mind that ALL camping gear on the retail market is sold by corporations whose bottom line is the almighty dollar, while used military surplus equipment is simply made to do a job and cost is not a significant factor to standards.