Perhaps the best part about scouting is the camping trips. From hot weather camping to the freeze-o-ree, a scout must be prepared. The following is a list to help the scout decide what to pack for camping. Items can be added or removed depending on the type and time of year the scout is camping.
- Appropriate clothing for weather conditions both predicted and NOT predicted.
- Backpack fitted to the scout with external frames. Consider a rain cover for backpack as well.
- Blanket if camping in cold weather. Place blanket inside sleeping bag. The scout should always change clothes immediately before sleeping if camping in cold weather. This will ensure that sweat will not be on the clothes the camper is sleeping in, which will cause the scout to become chilled.
- Boots for Rain or Water Shoes in the Summer
- Bug Spray
- Camera, disposable is best, packed in a ziplock bag and marked with name and phone number.
- Camp soap, found in a bottle, which can be used for the body and hair as well as for dishes and other items.
- Camping stool, sometimes used for fishing. These are about a foot high and are shaped like a tripod. They are easy to fold and store and can be carried on a belt.
- Clothing - As a precaution, pack all clothes in large ziplock bags in case it rains. Some scouts will put together an outfit for each day - lay out your pants, place your shirt, underwear and socks in it and roll it up tightly. Place in a large ziplock storage bag. Each day, simply pull out one bag. If your backpack becomes wet from rain, all of your clothes will remain dry. (But honestly, have you ever known your scout to even change clothes on a weekend camping trip!?)
- Compass and Map
- Cup
- First Aid and Sewing Kits
- Flashlight and Spare Batteries
- Flint or Water Proof Matches
- Gloves if camping in cold weather. Waterproof is best.
- Hand / Foot Warmers
- Hat to provide shade in summer.
- Hiking boots sprayed with waterproof sealer.
- Lantern and Spare Batteries
- Mess kit including Utensils
- Mosquito Net if at Week Summer Camp - May Need Dowels and Duck Tape to Attach to Cot
- Pillow
- Playing Cards
- Pocket Knife and Whittling Card
- Rain Gear - Boots and
Rain Cape - Roll (Mat that is placed under the sleeping bag to provide comfort)
- Rope
- Scout Book
- Sleeping bag, malleable (sometimes called mateable) with stuff sack, mummy, preferably 0 or 20 degrees.
- Some large ziplock bags to store wet clothes or dirty items in.
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Toilet Paper
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Towel and Washcloth
- Uniform
- Water bottle or canteen.
- Winter hat if camping in cold weather. Scout can use the type that will fit over the face, leaving a hole for eyes, mouth and nose.
