Camping Information

Scouts should always pack their own gear, but parents should inspect before the trip.

Gear Storage

  • Camping backpack is desired choice

  • Canvas duffel bag can be used for some car-camping trips

  • Summer camps may use storage box

  • Additional day-pack for non-backpacking hikes

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping Bag (weather appropriate)

  • Foam or inflatable sleeping pad (if desired)

  • Pillow (suggest Scout use a light-weight blow-up camping pillow or a rolled up jacket)

Clothing

  • Official (Class A) Scout uniform (to be worn to and from outing, and for all ceremonies)

  • Activity (Class B) shirts

  • Extra clothing as necessary depending on length of trip (socks, underwear, shirts, etc.)

  • Separate clothing for sleeping

  • Rain gear

  • Closed-toe shoes appropriate for weather

  • Plastic bag large enough to keep shoes dry overnight outside the tent

  • Jacket or sweatshirt for evening; possibly warm hat and gloves depending on season/weather

  • Warm hat and gloves based on weather

  • Sandals may only be worn during summer camp showers (never around camp)

Food Items

  • Non-disposable camping mess kit (Leave No Trace), including plate/bowl, utensils, and cup. Must be light-weight metal so Scout can cook directly in the mess kit on backpacking trips.

  • Hot beverage cup

  • Canteen (Multiple One-liter collapsible canteens or water bag might be a better choice to distribute weight in backpack.)

  • A hydration pack can be used but must have separate water containers too.

  • Trail mix and healthful snacks (avoid junk food)

Notes: Canteens and hydro packs are NOT allowed in tents due to possible leakage or being stepped on. Food is NOT allowed in tents.

Scout Essentials

  • First aid kit (make sure you restock it before each trip--see below)

  • Flashlight and/or headlamp (check/change batteries before trip)

  • Pocketknife (only with current Totin’ Chip training and they must be allowed at campsite.) Matches/Fire starter (only with current Firem’n Chit training)

  • Sun protection--unscented sun screen

  • Map and compass of area

  • Insect repellent (Unscented)

  • Small hand-sanitizer bottle

  • Emergency Mylar blanket

  • Whistle for emergencies

  • Sunglasses

Toiletries

  • Personal Medicines*

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste (Unscented)

  • Deodorant (Unscented!)

  • Lip balm (with sun screen protection)

  • Toilet paper (small end-roll)

  • Other personal toiletries needed

*Scouts are responsible for taking their own medicine unless parents make arrangements with trip Scoutmaster in advance. Never share over-the-counter medicines.

Other Camping Gear

  • Light-weight camping chair--if allowed on trip; check with Senior Patrol Leader or a Scoutmaster

  • Scout Handbook for car camping trips. (write name in it; put in Ziplock bag),

  • Extra batteries for flashlight

  • Watch (waterproof if possible)

  • Light-weight stove and fuel for backpacking trips.

Not Allowed

  • Smart phones should only be used with permission of Scoutmaster; non-phone cameras are allowed (respect privacy in tents).

  • Food or drinks in tent

  • Shoes in tent

  • Sandals and flip-flops unless campsite has pool or showers available

  • Walking around barefoot or in socks

Furnished by Troop (unless otherwise noted)

  • Tents

  • Car-Camping: Cooking and clean-up equipment.

  • Backpacking trips: Scouts must have their own backpacking stove, gas, cooking mess kit, and food.)

*Personal First Aid Kit Items (not a complete list)

  • 6 adhesive bandages

  • 2 sterile gauze pads, about 3x3 inches

  • 1 small roll of adhesive medical tape

  • Moleskin, 3x6 inches

  • Small tube of antiseptic cream/ointment

  • Small scissors

  • Pair of medical gloves