Camping
Cub Scouts LOVE the outdoors and especially love camping.
Our pack participates in at least two family camping trips each year: one in the fall and one in the spring.
Our Webelos and Arrow of Light scouts also go on den-specific camping trips in order to earn achievements for their ranks.
What to Pack
New to camping? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's a guide on what to pack. If you need help with gear, or don't want to commit to buying a bunch of stuff, please ask other members of the pack. We can help source some loaner gear for you or help you in your decision making process.
"Be Prepared" is the scout motto, and there is no other Scouting activity where this is more important than camping. Being prepared for the outdoors can mean the difference between safe & perilous--even if it's just "car camping" with Cub Scouts!
You can--and should--begin your preparation with learning some basics, getting some advice from more experienced campers, doing some basic research about the place(s) you're going, and checking the weather conditions you're likely to experience. Beyond that, it's about gear...and anticipating what you'll need and want to have. This is NOT meant as a tutorial about different types of camping equipment. It's meant to be a simple, quick-reference guide to ensure that your initial forays into the forest don't fall short due to lack of experience.
Cubmaster's special note to first-timer parents: You, as an adult, have an easier time putting unfamiliar things in perspective and treating a new experience as an adventure; but to a LOT of youngsters, it's still a big, scary world they're being introduced to--especially their first night in a tent, with no lights, and strange noises in the woods. So if they still have a "wubby" (favorite stuffed animal, security blanket, dream catcher, whatever), DO NOT FORGET THE WUBBY!
NEED to have
Shelter
Tent
Should be an adequate size for the number of campers who will be sleeping in it. If it does not have a matching "footprint", you should have a ground cloth or plastic sheet the same size as the floor of your tent. You should also check to make sure all the poles and stakes are in your tent's bag.Bedding
This can consist of a sleeping bag for each person, or just bedding from home. However--you need to make sure you have something that can be layered both under and over you. If you could be dealing with wet weather, choose bags/blankets made of nylon containing synthetic fill instead of those made of cotton with cotton or down fill. Cotton and down do NOT insulate when they get wet! And don't forget a pillow!
Clothing
Appropriate footwear
Hiking boots are always preferred over sneakers on Scout outings--especially those in wooded areas. ALWAYS pack extra socks. (But don't forget shower shoes if the facilities include beaches or bathing)Season-appropriate clothing
Try to pack items that can be layered lighter or heavier on the body, depending on the weather. Don't forget to pack separate clothes (pajamas/sweats) to sleep in.Rain jacket or poncho
Always! Because you never know...and you'd rather be dry!Uniform
Your leaders will let you know if class-A's and/or class-B's are needed.
Camping Equipment
Canteen, or non-disposable water bottle
It's best if these have clips or straps that make them easier to carry when walking. Day packs with hydration bladders serve the same purpose...as long as your child wears it!Safety whistle
Can help ward off unwanted encounters with wildlife, and could aid in locating a young Scout who doesn't follow the buddy system and becomes separated from the group. They often have some kind of clip which can attach to belts or packs.Mess kit / tableware set
This typically includes a plate and/or bowl, a cup, and eating utensils. Many come in a mesh bag for air-drying.Flashlight or head-lamp
Make sure you check the batteries before you leave!Packable / folding chair
Gives you better options than rocks, the ground, or benches.
Personal Items
Prescription medication
Make sure to include dosage information on the container.
NICE to have
Shelter
Air mattress or foam pad
This provides a distinct layer of insulation and padding between you and the ground.Cot
Literally gets you off the ground, which can offer additional comfort and protection from any dampness. However, cots may restrict the number of people you can fit in a tent, depending on the curve of the tent's walls.Tarp or canopy
Can provide additional protection from the elements for you or your belongings.
Clothing
Hat
Always a personal preference, but different types of hats can provide protection from the sun and/or the elements.Sunglasses
Keeps bright sunlight from blinding your eyes. But youngsters aren't always good at keeping track of them.
Camping Equipment
Folding or collapsible cart or wagon
If you've got one, it can make water runs, garbage runs, and trips to/from your car a LOT easier.Day pack or drawstring bag
Allows you/your child to carry around useful items comfortably throughout the day. Essentially a "need to have" when hiking!Lantern (battery powered)
A stationary light can be easier than flashlights and head-lamps when trying to get settled in a dark tent at night.Rope / twine / "para-cord"
Multiple uses, including laundry line, tent repairs, and shoelaces.Duct tape
You'll discover the 1001st use for it in the strangest way...
Personal Items
Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, soap, washcloth...Sunscreen
Even if it's cloudy, and especially if fair-skinned.Insect repellent
During all warm months.First aid kit
Becomes a NEED if you or your group ventures off alone!
Optional Extras
These are the kind of things which can enhance your family's experience, but bringing/using them depends on the child, the parent(s), and the planned / available activities.
Swimsuit / towel
Fishing gear / bait
Binoculars
Camera
Sport items (soccer ball, kick ball, frizbee, baseball & gloves, etc)
Playing cards, board games
Reading books, coloring books & crayons / pencils
Special thanks to Pack 173 - Union, NJ - for this excellent list!
Important Information for All Campers
!! No Alcohol or Illegal Drugs - It is a direct violation of BSA Policy !!
Smoking is allowed only in parking area - away from campers
Any accident, injury, missing youth or adult or any emergencies must be reported to leadership and/or camp staff.
If you need to leave camp, inform your Pack leader as well as camp staff - so a missing person search will not be started.
The Buddy System is to be used at all times in Camp. No child should be walking around alone, they must have a "buddy" (parent or Pal) with them at all times. This is for both health and Safety.
All kids should also carry a whistle, and know if they are lost stay put and use the whistle till they are found.
Use only one fire ring, fire no greater than three feet high.
Please do not kick or move rocks lining the trails-they are placed to assist and preserve the trails and stop erosion of the soil.
Please do not play on large boulders, no one should be standing or climbing on them.
Do not leave any food out in your campsite (leftovers, scraps, garbage). Put everything away properly and dispose of garbage.
Food should be stored in coolers with lockable lids or inside cars. DO NOT PUT FOOD--ESPECIALLY SNACKS--INSIDE TENTS!
NO OPEN FLAMES INSIDE TENTS
Animals such as fox, raccoons, mice, bears, and skunks have great noses.
Be considerate of others, keep out of other campers tents and possessions. If you find something that does not belong to you. Bring it to the "lost and found".
No running in Camp - unless part of an organized game or competition.
No stick play - kids can easily get badly injured.
No fixed-blade knives -- only folding-blades.
No Cub Scouts can have a knife without their Whittling Chip.
No Flip Flops or open toed shoes (except in shower areas or near water) - Please wear appropriate footwear.
Bring your own Toilet Paper - In a zip-top bag.
Leave No Trace - Always leave your camp better than you found it!