Campout Packing List
A few bits of advice: Ok - LOTS of advice...but you didn't have to pay for it!
Try to pack all your gear into 1 bag, plus a sleeping bag which is separate. An extra daypack is ok for holding your scout book, flashlight, pencil, water bottle and items which may be needed during the day.
If you can live with a small pillow and if that can fit into your bag then that's even better!! Remember, you have to haul all this stuff into camp!
Mark ALL your belongings with a permanent pen, ESPECIALLY your cup, dish, bowl utensils.
Try to have a stuff sack for your sleeping bag - those cords that wrap around them don't work very well. You can even use a pillow case!
You can bring a pocket knife with parental approval, however you may not open it without permission at camp from a leader! There will be a training session on knives. The best knives for kids come with a metal loop for attaching to a cord to go around the neck.
DON'T bring personal electronic toys (Gameboys), walkmans, radios, CD players or sports equipment into camp. These items can be used on the trip over to camp, but may not leave the cars.
Get a good night's sleep the night before. You'll have more fun and be more fun to be around!
Wear sturdy shoes only. No sandals.
Don't bring your best shirts, favorite hat or antique cup! Bring the old, battered stuff! Better for losing or getting dirty!
Scouts should wear uniform while at camp (at least the shirt).
Pack your gear a couple days before the outing. If you wait till the last minute, Murphy's Law jumps in and hides everything you need...
Come prepared to try new things. Be prepared to be part of a scouting team. Be respectful of the environment and those people around you. Remember - you are a cub scout on a scouting outing... act like you know you should!
The days and nights will be filled with planned activities and break times. Scouts are expected to participate in the activities. Many of these will be requirements for cub awards. Parental help and supervision will be appreciated but don't expect to do too much, so bring a folding chair for yourself. We want the boys to learn how to pitch the tents, cook and cleanup while camping. As a parent, don't jump up and do everything for your son while at camp. Boys shouldn't expect to get to camp and do whatever their hearts desire; they will need to follow the plan set up for the weekend (which might be posted here by the end of the week).
With all that said, please come, enjoy yourself and your family. I assure you that you will have fun!!
Use sunscreen and hats. When's the last time you spent ALL day outside?
Packing list
This list is mostly a guide: use your best judgment as to what you and your child(ren) should bring!
Personal items
Bring a bag dinner and drinks for Friday night in camp for everyone in your family. All other meals provided up to Sunday breakfast.
Cubs need to wear uniform at camp (at least the shirt - I realize the neckerchief and slide often fall off and get lost).
In addition, pack 1 more short sleeved shirt (that would be 2 shirts for non-scouts).
Long pants - 1 pair or 2.
Shorts - optional
Shoes - wear sturdy athletic shoe types. An extra pair is a great idea. No sandals in camp.
Socks and underwear - one set for each day you'll be there. If you plan on being there all 3 days, that's a clean set per day and 1 extra!
Jacket or sweatshirt. Now that it's cooled down....
Hat - cubs use your scout hat. Not a required item, but a good idea.
Sleeping clothes - sweat shirt and pants are the best - warm and easy to wear AND you can get out of your tent in them!
Toiletries - put them all in a ziplock bag. If they leak, your shirt still stays clean! Include: toothpaste, toothbrush, comb or brush, chapstick, soap (in a soapbox or another ziplock bag). Optional: hand cream. Recommended: bug repellant, sun screen. There are no showers. Other adult stuff: deodorant, shaving gear, etc.
Towel.
Pocketknife preferably on a lanyard or with a case. Remember - don't open without permission.
Scout book with your name in it.
Flashlight (one per person). CHECK THE BATTERIES IN THE DARK BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. Bring extra batteries!
A plastic grocery bag or 2 (for dirty or wet clothes).
Compass (if you have one)
Eating gear: Unbreakable dish, cup, bowl, fork, knife, spoon (with your names on them!). You can use paper plates, but we prefer the boys learn how to conserve our resources and how to wash dishes properly!
Water bottle with your name on it. One per person.
Cubs might want to bring a day pack with scout book, pencil, water bottle, flashlight, compass and other stuff we might need during the day in there.
Optional: Camera, toys for smaller siblings, sunglasses, folding chair. And teddy or other favorite stuffed animal!
Camping gear
A tent (or tents) big enough for your family. Don't forget stakes and rain fly in case the weather changes.
Tarp to put under the tent.
Sleeping bag.
Optional pad or air mattress for under the sleeping bag. You can also use folded blankets for the kids. They'll be warmer and more comfortable if you bring one.
Extra blankets (?)
There are portable toilets there. No showers but running water. Water will be boiled at mealtimes for washing and coffee.