Ahhhh… Summer Camp!
Summer Camp is where Scouts bond! We face challenges that test their fitness, weather preparedness, and ability to learn new Merit Badge skills. And at some point during the 6 nights spent together, each Scout reaches an epiphany of sorts. It’s a moment where they realize that all they need is the support of their friends and they can accomplish anything. In the 10 years that I have been attending Summer Camps as an adult, it’s by far the coolest thing to witness. With this new confidence, I have seen scouts lead for the first time, stay late in the evening to complete a Merit Badge, or find themselves becoming camp councilors when the time comes.
So how can we help our scouts reach these high heights? Well, for starters, help them pack (But don’t pack for them!),
Summer Camp is a different experience than our weekend camping trips. Firstly, accommodations and meals are provided by the camp. We do not typically bring tents, mess kits, cooking gear (except to make coffee!), or heavy sleeping bags. Scouts receive either a cot in a canvas tent (kind of like the pyramid-style tent you remember drawing as a child) or a metal frame with an outdoor mattress. Lightweight sleeping bags are best (I have a 50-degree bag that I bring) but sheets are reasonable (a couple of pairs in case they get wet) and a thin ground pad is a good add-in.
Because it’s summer we do need to deal with bugs. Most accommodations are open-style sleeping, with canvas tents and their large flaps or wooden, 3-sided Adoroniack-style structures with an open front. Any breeze is a good thing! With all the openness we do need to think about bug protection while sleeping. A bug net is nice, but will most likely require some PVC frame to keep it going all week. I recommend a Sansbug. I know, strange name. It’s effective due to its versatility. It can pop up on any mattress or cot and allows for full protection. Bug nets leave the floor “open” for creepy crawlers to visit. The Sansbug is $50, but it’s a great investment if you factor in multi-years of use. You can shop for the Sansbug here.
Clothing and personal hygiene essentials are similar to other campouts, just know you’re packing for 7 days instead of 3. I typically place any items that touch the skin in plastic bags to keep dry (underwear, socks, some tee-shirts). I also bring rope or cord for a clothesline. Very helpful! Scouts swim a bunch at camp so bring bathing suits and towels. A pair of water shoes is a great addition for water hikes, canoeing, and kayaking. Ensure your scout has their “Class A” Field Uniform as well. You will wear it every night for dinner and for “field” activities. And lastly, I need to mention the ONLY rule I require that is not immediately found in the Scout Handbook. Each scout is required, by Scoutmaster decree, to shower at least two times while at camp. A Scout is clean, after all! Make sure you have soap and an extra towel.
What do I use to pack all this stuff? There are quite a few options. If you decide to pack in a sturdy footlocker, know that your Scout will have trouble navigating around their locker while in their tent (especially if their tent-mate has one too). I like a large duffel bag that is lined for weather protection. The soft-pack nature of the bag gives scouts an option of stowing the bag under their cot or mattress. Also, consider an extra dirty clothes bag to keep things tidy.
Finally, and this goes without saying, many water bottles, sunscreen, and non-aerosol insect repellants are must-haves at camp. I would also consider a cool card game. Exploding Kittens, Bears versus Babies, and Taco versus Burrito are some of my favorites!
Looking forward to seeing you at camp!