Troop 318 camps each month. Our campouts range from fishing, float trips, hiking, and much more.
Camping Essentials
Unless otherwise noted, this list is taken from Chapter 9 of the Scouts, BSA Handbook.
Please do not feel that a Scout needs all of these items for their first campout. Let the Troop Leadership know if you don't have something. We've been camping a long time and may have some extra stuff. Items with * are optional items.
Personal Camping Gear Checklists
Scout Basic Essentials
- Pocketknife*
- First aid kit
- Extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Good attitude
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- Sun protection
- Watch*
Cold Weather Items
- Gloves or Mittens
- Hot Hands hand warmers*
- Heavy Coat (not something that melts)
- Long-sleeved Shirt
- Long pants
- Sweater*
- Hiking Boots or Sturdy Shoes
- Stocking hat* (fleece or wool)
- Long Underwear or "base layer"
(should fit snug)
Other Items
- Backpack
- Sleeping pad (especially important in cold weather)
- Sleeping bag; or two or three blankets. Check the weather. Be sure your sleeping bag is rated below the forecasted temperature. If it's not, bring extra blankets
- Mess Kit; spoon, plate, bowl, cup
- Rain cover for backpack*
- Personal Hygiene Kit soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, towel, shower shoes
Group Camping Gear Checklist
- Tents, ground cloths, and stakes
- Dining fly and stakes
- 50-foot nylon cord
- Cook kit
- Stove(s) and fuel
- Matches and/or butane lighter (in resealable plastic bags or containers)
- Pots and pans (matched to menu and dishwashing needs)
- Spatula, large spoon, and/or ladle (matched to menu needs)
- Cleanup Kit
- Biodegradable soap
- Sanitizing rinse agent
- Scouring pads (no soap type)
- Trash can liners (for use as bear bags and for packing out litter and garbage)
- Toilet paper
- Food strainer
- Repair kit
- Thread
- Needles
- Safety pins
- Group extras (optional)
- Hot pot tongs
- Plastic, collapsible water container (1 or 2½ gallon)
- Water-treatment filter or tablets
- Two 4-by-4-foot plastic sheets for food preparation surfaces
- Spade
- Grill
- Patrol flag
- United States Flag
- Two 50-foot ropes and bear bags
- Patrol first-aid kit