Depending on when your Scout starts, the first camping trip may be in a cabin or similar structure to provide some protection from the elements. If this is the case for your Scout's Troop, it may allow you to put off some items for a few months such as tents and sleeping pads. In any event, the equipment needed for cabin camping is also needed for tent camping. Scouts should refer to their handbook checklist when preparing for a campout. The list below follows the handbook and provides thrifty choices for the necessary equipment.
- Backpack: I am reluctant to encourage new Scouts to get backpacks for several reasons. First, they are still growing and while most packs are adjustable they are not likely to properly fit an 11 or 12 year old. Second, as much as we all hope each Scout will stay in Scouts, some do not. Give your Scout a little time to see how he likes it before making major purchases. All Scouts, however, are expected to carry their personal gear to their camping location. A duffel bag will suffice for most new Scout camping experiences. You can also use a day pack (which many Scouts already have for school) with a few straps to attach a sleeping bag.
- Raincover: Even with cabin camping, there is a chance it will be raining when your Scout arrives or leaves camp. Most packs and duffels are not waterproof. They may shed some water, but a significant rain will soak the contents, if they are not protected. There are two strategies to consider for keeping camping gear dry. First, there are pack covers that can cover the outside of the pack or bag, they are usually matched to the bag size. In a pinch, I have seen trash bags used to cover bags, but I do not recommend their use on the outside. If you must use a trash bag, use it as a liner inside your bag or pack. The pack will protect the bag from tears and punctures and the bag will keep the water out of the gear. In any event, place all clothing and anything else you don't want to get wet into ziploc bags, larger items (like sleeping bags or blankets) go into trash bags. This way, everything is double-protected from the rain. Make sure the opening of trash bags are either folded under or at the bottom of the bag so it does not collect water!
- Sleeping Bag or Blankets: Many cabins have wood stoves for heat but unless someone gets up through the night to feed the stove, it may still get fairly cold in a cabin. Two or three blankets should be adequate, but sleeping bags are much more convenient and many families do not have 2 or 3 "extra" blankets to send on a Scout trip. A simple starter sleeping bag which will be suitable for most Scout activities is probably your best choice. Avoid "youth" or "kid" sizes, your boy won't be 11 for long. The warmth of a simple sleeping bag can be greatly improved by wearing a hooded sweatshirt, sweat pants, heavy socks, and even a winter stocking cap. (Sleeping clothes should always be clean and dry and stay in the cabin/tent, not worn through the day.) I recently purchased a lightweight mummy bag which is nice for backpacking. In cold weather, however, I put my lightweight bag into my original "starter" bag so I think these are a good purchase.
- Sleeping Pad: Most cabins have bunk bed arrangements or cots with mattresses and a sleeping pad should not be needed for most cabin camping. Consider sending a sheet with your Scout to cover the cot mattress, most have plasticized outer shells and receive a lot of use prior to your Scout.
- Ground Cloth: A ground cloth is not needed for cabin camping.
- Eating Kit: Generations of Scouts have purchased multi-part mess kits (we have several), but they are really not necessary. Perfectly acceptable are the old sherbert or dairy product bowls. They are abundant, durable, and practically free. Metal dishes also draw the heat out of food more quickly than plastic. Most camp food can be eaten with a spoon only, but it doesn't hurt to have a knife and fork. If you have old silverware that you are not afraid to lose, it will do fine. Just about any plastic cup will work, preferably with a handle. It should be able to handle hot drinks during cooler weather. There are a variety of camp specific bowls/cups/tableware, but it doesn't make much sense to go out and buy stuff, at least at this point.
- Clean Up: A travel size bottle of hand sanitizer will go a long way towards keeping your Scout healthy. Many camps have outhouse style latrines without running water, hand sanitizer is the next best thing to soap and water. A small (travel size) tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush packed in a sealable sandwich bag is another important hygiene component. After the campout, if the brush and tube are rinsed and allowed to dry thoroughly, they can be reused. Dental floss is easy to add to the bag, especially for longer trips. It is unlikely that Scouts will shower on a weekend campout, but they will need to on longer camps. Save your old towels and washcloths for camping. Multi-purpose body washes (for both hair and body) can simplify camp showers.
- Personal Extras: New Scouts will often bring their handbook to help with their advancement and training. It lists other optional items - these are purely up to personal preference. In cold weather, a winter hat and gloves are a must. I like to have a pillow for sleeping. Provided they stay relatively clean and dry a sweatshirt or other clothes can be used. I use a small backpacking pillow, but if space allows an old pillow from home may be the best choice.
As the weather warms it is time for Tent Camping. |
