Camping

Link to car camping checklist: Car camping checklist

link to winter camping

summer camping

Troop 163 Car Camping Equipment List (1-2 Nights)

You can always refer to your Scout Handbook pages 268 - 273

This list summarizes the minimum equipment necessary for a typical weekend “car camping" campout (1-2 nights) from mid-April to mid-October. (Cold weather camping will require some extra preparation.) Packing for car-campouts should be in a medium size “cargo style” duffel bag or backpack. An extra plastic bag for muddy shoes or wet clothing is helpful. 

Sleeping Gear:

• A sleeping bag,  

• A foam pad (or a Therm-a-Rest type pad).

•  A small pillow or camping pillow (NOT your regular bed pillow!)

•  A knit cap to wear if a cold night is expected. (gloves are nice for sleeping on cool nights too!)

•  A pair of warm socks to wear if a cold night is expected.

Mess Kit/ Eating Gear

•   A medium sized bowl, preferably plastic, with name plainly marked.

•   A knife, fork and spoon kit (old kitchenware will do).

•   A medium sized plastic cup, with name marked plainly.

• Personal water bottle

Do not bring cheap (fast-food) plastic utensils, anything heavy or items you cannot afford to lose.

Clothing:

•       Full Scout Uniform (unless you are specifically told NOT to bring it)

•       1 pair underwear

•       2 pair socks (3 if wet weather is expected)

•       1 pair shorts (needed only in warm/hot weather)

•       1 TShirt (unless it’s hot, long-sleeved ones are good)

•       1 pair long pants

•       A belt

•       1 sweatshirt or medium weight fleece (not needed if hot weather is expected)

•       Raincoat/ windbreaker

•       Warm coat for cold weather

•       Hat (think sun shade or warmth, depending on the weather)

•       Small towel, optional (think dish or hand towel size & weight) 

•       A "dirty clothes" bag, preferably cloth or mesh

Note to Parents:  Allow your scout to do her own packing – don’t pack for her. This makes it easier for her to know where her things are and what she actually has. 

Personal Items and Equipment:

• Scout Handbook & pencil/pen

• Toothbrush + toothpaste

• Hair brush and hair ties

• Any personal toiletry items needed 

• A lightweight daypack (have a 3x5 card with your last name, “Troop 163”, and PARENT’S phone number inside the daypack)

• An extra pair of sneakers (or boots) if wet weather is forecast

• Flashlight - small/medium sized, brightly colored or with bright tape wrapped around it, with fresh batteries, avoid Maglites! - better, use an LED headlamp, with fresh batteries.

• Bathing suit (if swimming is involved)

• Camp Chair/ Crazy Creek Chair

Optional Equipment:

• Games - cards, football, frisbee

• Sunglasses

• Small folding lockblade knife

• Personal Medications (may need a double set for certain events) – Notify the adult leaders if you are bringing medication including an epi-pen, an emergency inhaler, or any other emergency or controlled medications.

SCOUTS - DO NOT PACK:  Electronics, Junk Food, Sodas, or Anything Else You Know You’re Not Supposed to be Bringing.

Make sure everything has your last name (or initials) and "T163" marked on it, especially items like jackets, hats, ponchos, and daypacks. Pack nothing you cannot afford to lose.

* NO food in your tent or personal bags!

Please put your NAME on everything, including hats. This cuts down on lost articles.

Check for ticks.  If you find one, do not panic.  Find one of the leaders, and we will help safely remove it if you do not know how or are unwilling to do so.

POCKETKNIVES

Pocket knives are allowed only for Scouts with their Toten Chip for knife safety (Bears, Webelos, & AOL).  There will be no exceptions to this rule.  With a Whittling Chip, the Scout may whittle within an area safely marked off and an adult must take responsibility to supervise that the rules are being followed.  Again, there are no exceptions.  We insist on maximizing safety in this area as the Scouts learn responsibility and new skills.  An adult member of the family should have a pocket knife.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Medical Forms: All Scouts and leaders must have completed Parts A & B of the Scouts BSA medical forms on file with the Pack.  These forms must be renewed every year.  Form available under Resources tab.

Youth Protection:

● Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities
● A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female Scouts
● One-on-one contact between adult leaders and Scouts is prohibited
● Scouts greater than two-years apart, other than siblings, may not tent together
● Separate shower and latrine facilities should be provided for male and female adults as well as male and female Scouts
● The use of alcohol or tobacco products around Scouts and at Scout functions is against BSA policy.

Please contact your Scoutmaster or Patrol leader if you have any questions.