Troop 162 Camping Guide

The boys should pack as many of the following items as they can or own:

    For Camping:  (pg 224 of the Scout Handbook)

    Pocketknife (if they have not earned their Totin’ Chit the Scoutmaster must hold the knife)

    First Aid Kit

    Extra Clothing (wherever possible the clothing should not be cotton, wool or synthetics designed for outdoor activities are the best)

    Rain Gear (poncho)

    Water Bottle (Nalgene 16oz. wide mouth with mouth insert. They are indestructible and the wide mouth allows for adding ice, etc.)

    Flashlight  (Headlamp, strap goes around forehead or hat, doesn't get dropped and allows for 2 free hands)

    Trail Food (a good mix of protein and carbs)

    Matches and fire starters (they are not allowed to use these until they have earned their Firem'n Chit)

    Sun Protection (sunscreen and a hat)

    Compass

    Backpack (Farr's, and Nassif's give discounts and alpsmountaineering.com has excellent package prices)

    Rain cover for backpack (purchase it with your backpack if possible)

    Sleeping Bag (Farr's, and Nassif's give discounts. alpsmountaineering.com has excellent package prices)

    Sleeping Pad (Farr's, and Nassif's give discounts. alpsmountaineering.com has excellent package prices)

    Mess Kit

    Thermal Cup (mess kits usually come with a cup, which should be kept, but they are small and dangerous when you are trying to pour hot liquid into them. A thermal coffee mug is better.)

    Toothbrush

    Toothpaste

    Other personal hygiene items.

    For Hiking:   (pg 207 of the Scout Handbook)

    Pocketknife (if they have not earned their Totin’ Chit the Scoutmaster must hold the knife)

    First Aid Kit

    Extra Clothing (wherever possible the clothing should not be cotton, wool or synthetics designed for outdoor activites are the best)

    Rain Gear (poncho)

    Water Bottle (Nalgene 16oz. wide mouth with mouth insert. They are indestructible and the wide mouth allows for adding ice, etc.)

    Flashlight  (Headlamp, strap goes around forehead or hat, doesn't get dropped and allows for 2 free hands)

    Trail Food (a good mix of protein and carbs)

    Matches and fire starters (they are not allowed to use these until they have earned their Firem'n Chit)

    Sun Protection (sunscreen and a hat)

    Compass

    Day Pack – A smaller pack similar to a school back pack

    A second set of the above items in their Daypack means they do not need to be constantly transferred and possibly not packed when they are needed.

Tips for unpacking after the camp trip:

The ride home after a camping trip can be long, particularly when you have a hot shower and e-mail and your favorite video game bed waiting for you. Before relaxing, some final chores need to be done:

  • unload gear
    First things first, unload the car or truck, separate everything used on the camping trip.

  • take inventory gear
    Identify items that are broken or lost; make a list of what needs repair or replacement.

  • empty the cooler
    Remove food from the cooler and put it in the refrigerator; wash the cooler and dry it.

  • store food items
    Return all remaining foods to the pantry or cupboard.

  • wash the dishes
    Even if you did it at camp, it's good practice to wash them again.  Return items where they belong; store all camping items together. Keep these organized & consider using a chuck box.

  • wash the clothes
    At least separate clothes that need laundering. Don't wait; start the laundry as soon as you can.  Watch our for Poison Oak, and warn anyone else who may touch the laundry!

  • dispose of trash
    Gather up and dispose of any remaining trash.

  • set up the tent
    Air it out, especially if it got wet; sweep before stowing.  Air other gear to avoid mold and mildew.

  • store it right.   
    Many campers don’t know they should store self-inflating pads and sleeping bags, not in their stuff bags, but loose, so they loft and inflate naturally.

Take good care of your camping gear, and it will reward you for many years to come! Use this after-camping checklist when you return from each trip, and you'll always be ready for the next.

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