This thread seems to keep coming, and it's interesting. If all I have to do is get through seven days, in October, in New England, I don't think I need much. I don't think I need a knife or axe, I can crack a rock and use the edge to make kindling. I can probably do without a fire for seven days, but if I absolutely had to, I could use mt shoelaces to make a bowdrill. I don't need much to make a debris hut. I won't starve in seven days, but I think I can find bugs (six legs or less) creyfish, inner bark, dandilions, cattails, etc. without much in the way of tools. I won't need cord for that short time. So, assuming I have the proper clothing, what's left?
A canteen. If it comes with a canteen cup, great! After that, a really good lighter (I think I can keep the fire going, but, if longer than seven days, a metal match). Then a Tarp and a knife.
So, I guess I'm saying a canteen (with a canteen cup) a lighter, and a tarp.
I think we're pretty consistent. There's a lot of really good advice here. I hope a lot of scout leaders track these strings.