This page is intended to help you prepare for our troop’s camping trip. This is just a guide... this is not a complete list, and the Scouts are not required to bring everything on the list. It is simply a guide containing suggestions on items to consider while preparing for an event, based on past experiences and lessons learned over the years.

This is somewhat of a generic list. The duration of the event will determine how much is needed. For short trips, some of these items may not be necessary at all. Use your best judgment. Many of the ideas below are adaptations of the Packing Checklists for Camping Trips article in the Boys’ Life magazine. In addition to the primary list, it includes additional info for warm and cold weather camping. Be sure to check it out if you’re looking for more ideas.

Essential Items:

• Completed Health Form (Parts A & B are needed for all trips. Part C is needed for week-long events.)

• Class A uniform for travel. The Scouts may also need their uniforms at other times, depending on the event.

• Mess kit (including a knife, fork, and spoon)

• Drinking cup

• Water bottle

• Clothing: Shorts / pants / shirts / etc. (Adjust based on the weather)

• Class “B” (troop/BSA related) shirts

• Daily change of underwear and socks

• Bathing suit & beach towel

• Swim shoes (Also doubles for shoes to use when it rains)

• Raincoat / poncho

• Hiking boots

• Sneakers

• Jacket, heavy coat, or similar if the weather will be cool

• Sleeping clothes

• Hat

• Gloves

• Bedding

  • Sleeping bag

  • Pillow

  • Sleeping pad

  • Sheet (If it’s too hot to sleep inside the sleeping bag)

• Toiletries

Adjust these items not only on the duration of the trip but also based on the facilities that will be available for our use.

• Toothbrush / toothpaste

• Bath towel

• Washcloth

• Cornstarch / Gold Bond

• Soap (in a container)

• Shampoo

• Comb, brush, mirror, etc.

• Shower shoes

• Bag for carrying items from the campsite to the showers

• Wet wipes / Baby wipes (Not required, but handy when showers aren’t an option)

Miscellaneous items

• Daypack

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Book

• Pen / pencil

• Compass

• Chair

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Individual first aid kit (can be used to supplement the troop’s kits)

• “Flint & steel” or similar fire-starter (Must have Firem’n Chit)

• Pocket knife (Must have Totin’ Chip)

• Scout Handbook

Other items to consider

• Camera

• Musical instruments

• Sewing kit

• Spending cash for the “trading post” or for meals/snacks during

• travel

• Fishing pole & bait

• Extra towel to use inside tent door (Handy as a doormat to keep

• things dry when it rains)

Items NOT to bring

• Electronic devices (The Scouts can bring their phones for the ride to/from camp, but must “unplug” during the event.)

• Matches

• Hatchets

• Sheathed knives

• Scouts are not to have hammocks or cots