In all my years preparing for camp, I don’t ever recall “being prepared” being easy. For first time campers, it’s a process that needs to be developed and refined. For advanced scouts, there are additional “add ins” that come in and out of events, like being prepared for multi-day hikes, canoeing, bike-packing, and the like.
This blog is for first time campers. You will find that once you get used to packing, the list can be broken into categories… the “must haves”, the “should haves” and the “I brought once and will never bring again”! Below you will find the category lists along with some Troop 959 commentary on how our Troop handles these items. Enjoy!
Yours In the Spirit of Scouting, Mike Imperiale Scoutmaster, Troop 959
The Outdoor Essentials or “Must Haves”
They’re called “essentials” for a reason. Every packing list starts with these 10 items.
1. A pocketknife or multitool can be handy in a wide variety of situations. It’s useful for tasks as large as building an emergency shelter or lighting a campfire with poor fuel, or as small as repairing a damaged backpack. Keep your knife sharp and clean, and don’t forget to first earn your Totin’ Chip.
2. A first-aid kit can be a lifesaver. Literally. A few items will allow you to treat scratches, blisters and other minor injuries. They should also allow you to provide initial care while waiting for help for more serious injuries. Every first aid kit should include Moleskin (we will teach your Scout how you use it).
3. Bring extra clothing to match the weather. Multiple layers are better than a single massive jacket, because layered clothing is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. For summer, camp shorts and tee shirts are ideal. Try to keep the attire Scouty, please!
4. Rain gear is very important. Rain can come in a hurry, and getting your clothes drenched is more than just uncomfortable, it can lead to hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition.
5. A flashlight, headlamp or a rugged penlight is important for finding your way in the dark. Bring extra batteries, too.
6. Camp food. For most campouts we will have “grubmasters” who go shopping for food. If you have any food allergies or special conditions, please being anything that will keep your Scout happy. However, we do not allow food in any Troop tent… no exceptions. Please make sure your food is disclosed to the Senior Patrol Leader and placed in a container that can exist outside of a tent (like a lunchbox).
7. Water can prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Use a lightweight, unbreakable container with a secure lid. For our monthly campouts the Troop has a solution for water. Scouts should bring at least two water bottles to camp, and another bottle for bug juice, Gatorade and the like.
8. Matches and/or a fire starter may be used to light fires for heat, or for signaling for help. Store matches or lighters in resealable plastic bags.
9. Sun protection might include sunblock, sunglasses, lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat. And don’t forget Bug Spray in the summer months!
10. A map and compass are probably the most important tools you can carry in case you get lost. As your Scout progresses we will show them how to survive in place if they are lost in the woods. This will include the map, compass, shelter, water and food. Most search and rescues are completed in hours… assuming the scout stays in place.
Personal Care and Eating “Should Haves”
The first essentials list includes items that are critical if used, but you may not use all the time at camp (hopefully!), this list does not have any life saving items but consists of items your Scout will use every day. Your Scout should have them packed. There are categories below for personal care and eating, and for sleeping and dress
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Waterless hand cleaner
- Soap or Deodorant (puberty comes quick!)
- Mess Kit – A bowl, plate and spoon or spork used to eat. We do not bring any paper products to camp for food service.
- Bandana – They are AMAZING!
Sleeping and Dress “Should Haves”
- Sleeping Bag – this is not a “one size fits all campouts” item. For fair weather the temperature rating should be no lower than 30 degrees. For winter camping go for a zero degree bag. In the summer a fleece liner could be just enough.
- Underwear and Socks – I ALWAYS pack my underwear and socks in a gallon sized plastic bag for weekend campouts. The items that are touching skin should always be dry for a happy scout.
- Scout Uniform – we usually wear our Scout Uniform (Field Uniform or “Class A” Uniform) on Sunday morning for final program and Scouts own Service. Always nice to have.
- Extra Shirts, Pants or Shorts – There are times when a scout wears the same clothes all camp! YUK! We do our best to get them to change.
- A Pillow – should be smaller in size like a travel pillow or a camping pillow. The regular bed pillows should stay home. They will come home smelling like grass, dew and mold!
- Footwear – For most campouts a nice pair of hiking boots is ideal. Sneakers will get wet and not offer any stability on rocks. Sneakers are okay for summer camp events. Water shoes are a great investment for canoe and kayak activities.
Other “Should Haves”
- Scout Handbook
- Notebook, pen, pencil
- Games – We have seen some epic Bears and Babies, Taco vs Burrito, and Unstable Unicorns card games. Please bring age appropriate games that can have many participants.
- Phone – YIKES! I can’t believe this made it to a “should have”. Phones are the biggest struggle at camp. I think we have a good compromise at Troop 959. Any phones at camp are collected just before lights out and distributed after breakfast is cleaned up and morning program completes. We like that scouts take pictures and they post to Instagram. We just don’t want scouts up all hours on their phone. Parents, please refrain from giving brand new scouts a phone for camp and PLEASE, PLEASE refrain from texting or calling your Scout, at least initially. Moms and Dads are have powerful influences on their children. Even under the best intentions, Scouts who are homesick will “lose it” when they connect with you. The next call is from yours truly asking if you can drive a couple hours to get your Scout. Nobody wins in this scenario.
“I brought once and will never bring again”
This is just a list of experiences I’ve encountered in the 6 years I’ve been camping monthly for Scouts BSA. This is, by no means, and complete list. Hopefully you will get the idea.
- Stuffed Animals – They will become a tug-of-war item
- Anything “Scented” – although your Scout is using a Troop tent for a weekend, we do not know who (or where) that tent will be used again. Anything that can be an interest for a bear could spell trouble for the next scout who uses a tent that had food or scented anything in the tent!
- More than your Scout can carry. Your Scout is on their own for carrying their own personal gear. Please make it manageable.
- These items were NEVER brought to camp and NEVER WILL:
- Firearms
- Fireworks
- Water Guns or Water Balloons
- Pets
- Alcoholic Beverages
- non-prescription controlled substances
- non-Scouty literature