Camping Information

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

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Scout Essentials for Pack

Day-pack items in blue.

  • Pocketknife (only with current Totin’ Chip training and they must be allowed at campsite.)

    • Our Council does not allow straight blades on BSA property.

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

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

  • Rain gear

  • Filled canteen (2 liters minimum, however, be sure to include water needed for backpacking cooking.) 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.

    • (Canteens and hydro packs are NOT allowed in tents due to possible leakage or being stepped on.)

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

  • Trail mix (avoid junk food; food is NOT allowed in tents)

  • Matches/Fire starter (only with current Fire’n Chit training)

  • Sun protection--including your Scout hat (or appropriate head gear), neckerchief, and unscented sun screen

  • Map and compass of area

  • Personal Medicines* (never share over-the-counter medicines with other scouts)

  • Sleeping bag

  • Insect repellent (Unscented)

  • Toilet paper (small end-roll); lightweight trowel

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste (unscented or keep with Ziplock bag with food)

  • Deodorant (Unscented!)

  • Whistle for emergencies

  • 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.

  • Light-weight stove and fuel for backpacking trips.

  • Lip balm (with sun screen protection)

  • Small hand-sanitizer bottle

  • Emergency Mylar blanket

  • Sunglasses

*Scouts are responsible for taking their own medicine unless parents make arrangements with trip Scoutmaster in advance.

Other Camping Gear

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

  • Foam or inflatable sleeping pad (if desired)

  • Healthful Snacks (not junk food; food and drinks are not allowed in tents)

  • Plastic bag to keep shoes dry overnight outside the tent

  • Camping backpack all your gear, including sleeping bag (always use a backpack even for car-camping; do not use school backpacks, duffel bags, or suitcases)

  • Day pack for non-backpacking hikes

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

Other Items

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

  • Activity (Class B) shirt

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

  • Scout Handbook (write name in it; put in Ziplock bag), for car camping trips. Be sure to record all camping trips and activities in it for rant advancement.

  • Extra batteries for flashlight

  • Extra clothing (underwear, socks, etc.) and shoes in waterproof bag(s)

  • Watch (waterproof if possible)

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

  • Weapons and ammunition

  • Fireworks

Furnished by Troop (unless otherwise noted)

  • Tents (when approved by the Scoutmaster, the Spartan patrol may bring their own one-man tents)

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