CAMPING SUPPLY LIST w/ Explanations

Tent: large enough for your family and your gear.

Most of us use Coleman tents that are around 10x12 feet with a center height of

72 inches, this is ideal for most families of 4-5. If you are buying a new tent, I suggest trying to set it up before you bring it on the campout (if you have the time and space). It helps to know the basics of how to set it up, and to make sure all the parts are there.

Sleeping bag: and or a blanket per person.

For additional comfort, you might wish to bring a foam pad, air mattress or cot for underneath your sleeping gear, and a pillow.

3 days of clothing: We must prepare for up to four weather conditions on a campout: Hot, Cold, Wet, Dry. Depending on whether you’re the type of person that hardly ever gets cold, or gets cold once the temperature dips into the 70’s will determine how much clothing to bring.

You will (of course) be wearing one day’s clothes when you get there on Friday night. I own two pairs of scout shorts and one pair of scout long pants. I always wear one pair of shorts and pack the others. I bring an extra pair of drawstring shorts to sleep in. I always pack (or wear) my long scout pants, and pack one extra pair of blue jeans. I also pack a pair of long drawstring sleep pants or sweatpants.

Even though I am wearing a t-shirt, socks and underwear, I pack three additional of each. I use one t-shirt for sleeping and I pack one long sleeve t-shirt for sleeping.

To aid in keeping things dry, either use a Rubbermaid type bin for your clothes, or pack your stuff in zip lock bags. It can’t hurt to bring a few extra garbage bags for stowing wet gear in.

Flashlight, Extra Batteries, and Extra Flashlight Bulbs

This should be fairly self-explanatory.

Towel

I would try to pack one at least one large bath/beach towel per person. A beach towel has many uses: as a blanket on the ground (if sitting on the ground becomes necessary), as an additional blanket if it’s colder then you anticipated, scrunched up as an extra pillow. So you can see where a couple of extra towels couldn’t hurt to have along.

Toilet Paper…I wouldn’t trust the park’s supply, plus I don’t know too many parks that supply Soft and Cushy TP like Charmin (most parks provide “John Wayne TP, “It’s rough and it doesn’t take sh#% off anyone.”) Say no more.

Sweater and or a Jacket…even if you don’t think it’s going to be that cold, just in case.

Rain Gear (Poncho)

Vittle Kit - Knife, Fork, & Spoon: metal or high grade washable/reusable plastic, NOT disposable (see note below for Mess Kit)

Mess Kit or Plate and Cup No Disposable Paper or Plastic Products:

We try to practice leave no trace/minimal impact camping. All trash that we create MUST be hauled out by us. It is more environmentally efficient to wash and reuse our plates, utensils and cups RATHER than rely on disposable products like paper plates and/or plastic utensils and cups.

A Hygiene/Toiletry Kit: (that should include)

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Soap (bar soap, Purell type “no water” soap, and moist towelettes (Baby Wipes) are ALL handy!

Shampoo

Comb/Brush

Shaving Gear

Baby Powder (or Gold Bond type medicated powder)…nothing makes a campout more miserable than experiencing “chafing.”

Anti-perspirant

Mosquito Repellant…pump is better than spray.

Allergy Medicine…the pack has an excellent first aid kit, including some Benadryl. If you’re allergy prone (like me) you make sure you have your own with you.

These are the most basic supplies you will need.

Extra items you will want to bring include a camera, camp

chairs, a camping table.

Just remember, you’re camping, NOT moving into a new house.

Keep your list simple and enjoy the outdoors.

Finally, ALWAYS tell your Scouts NO ELECTRONICS while at the camp.

The purpose of our camping experiences is to give us an opportunity to commune with nature and each other. It is a time for us to get away from our normal ruts and routines. It is a time for playing games together, and enjoying conversation and laughter.

In addition, your Cub Scout will need to bring:

Pack and/or Cub Scout Hat…hats are not just for adornment, they help protect the head and face from sun exposure.

UNIFORM - MUST Be Worn To & From Camp and at Pack Ceremonies…the Class A uniform should be worn when traveling to and from all Cub Scout campouts, and the class B field uniform should be worn all weekend for all activities. Class A uniform is usually worn for dinner and campfire ceremonies.

Scout Handbook: quite frequently we will do an activity that will require the use of their book; it’s always handy to have it along, just in case.

A word about snacks and drinks: The pack will provide drinking water throughout the day, and Bug Juice (kool-aid, Gatorade or lemonade) at meals. The menu will include snacks and desserts. Some people still like to bring some extra drinks and snacks, which is fine…HOWEVER, let me caution you: Most soft drinks (i.e. sodas) and snack chips have very high sodium levels, which can lead to dehydration…fruit like grapes and apples make better snacks when you’re out all day long. Also, it’s not a good idea to stash (or eat) extra food and drinks in your tent. Critters like raccoons and foxes can be very resourceful at accessing food when they are on the prowl.