As a mom of two Eagle Scouts, I would suggest going to the Scouting Office to find out if some of the more affluent troops would have things they don't need or use anymore.
A good idea. Back in the '70s, my troop inherited a lot of reasonable cast-offs from other troops when we were getting started. The local council, if it runs its own summer camps, may also have surplus items available for donation or sale at discount.
However, it is really amazing how much the cost of camping gear has come down in recent years. I remember paying something like $400 for a 4-man pyramidal (canvas and aluminum tube) tent which today you can get for less than $200 at Target (in nylon and fibreglas rods). Prices for things like lanterns, tarps, camp stoves, packs and sleeping bags have also come way down (just don't shop at specialty stores like REI, which charge boutique prices for the same thing with name brands).
Each scout should be required to supply his own pack, sleeping bag, flashlight, pocket knife, canteen, compass and personal equipment. Fundraising projects are a good way to teach them how to budget and work towards a goal. Subsidies for needy scouts can be provided as necessary.
Troops supplies should include tents, flies, bow saws, 3/4 axes, a folding table, large first aid kit and a troop kitchen/utility box (the Field Book used to have plans for making one, which is a good project--I haven't looked at the latest editions, though (too depressing).
