Camping Information

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

Click here to download any required forms

Scout Essentials for Pack

Day-pack items in blue.

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

• 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 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) shirts

• 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

• Radios (except for emergency radios)

Furnished by Troop (unless otherwise noted)

• 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