| Your First Boy Scout Campout |
| There are always lots of questions for boys going on their first campout. We will try to get a lot of advancement work done during the campout, so there are some things boys need to be prepared for. First of all, boys and parents need to know what to pack. Two boys will share a tent. Boys should work out who they are tenting with before the campout, so we are sure everybody has a place to sleep. If anyone needs a tent-buddy, feel free to have your son ask any of the scoutmasters for help. Anything that could get wet (especially sleeping bag and clothes.) should be in a plastic bag. If you have a back pack, pack everything in it. If you don't have a pack, put it in a duffel bag or large garbage bag. Normally we try to take a hike on campouts where lots of new boys attend. Second Class requirement 6b says prepare a personal first aid kit to take with you on a hike. If you make a kit and bring it with you we will get that requirement done. We will probably also work on safe handling of knives, axes, and saws, wild animals, wild plants, fuel preparation, lighting fires, selecting campsites, assistant cook, and whatever else we can think of to work on. Campouts provide lots of time to get things done. All adventures require each boy to bring a new, signed consent form. You must bring a signed consent form to go on any adventure. What to bring (There is a more complete list on pages 224- 225 in the new handbook.) Warm Sleeping Bag Small Pillow (optional, can use a rolled up sweatshirt or other) Sleep Pad (optional, but required for cold-weather camping) Mess Kit (fork/knife/spoon, plate/bowl, cup) Water Bottle or canteen (Nalgene bottles are popular these days) Compass Handkerchief Flashlight Pocket knife (not to be used until you’ve proven you know how to use it safely) Scout Book (This will allow you to get stuff signed off during the campout) Pen or pencil and small pad of paper Watch (optional but encouraged) Lip-balm 3 garbage bags Personal Hygiene - Soap, toothbrush, etc. Rope (Optional, but good to have 10-20 feet of light-weight rope on hand) Fire-starter (matches in a zip-lock bag, water-proof matches, or a lighter) Personal first-aid kit (optional as the troop brings a full kit) Fanny-pack (optional, but great to bring survival kit when we go hiking) Cloths – (please dress in layers so you can regulate your body temperature) Seasonal Outerwear (Winter: hat, gloves/mittens, Warm Boots, Snowpants, etc) Rain Gear – a poncho is small and light-weight (even when no rain is in the forecast) Change of clothes for each day Extra Socks (2 per day) Extra winter hat (for cold-weather sleeping in a dry hat) Things NOT to bring: Any electronics (No walkmans, hand-held games, etc.) No knives with blades longer than 3.5 inches No cellphones (Adults will have phones for emergencies) (SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFO) Things the troop will bring: Tents, ground-cloths Saws, axes Cook-stoves, gas lanterns Cook pots, utensils, tables and dish-washing supplies First-aid kits Water Coolers Rope Food * The troop generally provides food for 4 meals, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast. Each boy is typically on his own for Friday night dinner when we depart. One of the boys in the patrol will buy the food, normally as one of the first class requirements. Each boy is responsible for paying $10.00 the Monday before the trip to help with the cost of the food. (There will either be a little more to pay or a little money back depending on actual costs.) |