Camping and Adventures
Camping is for Everyone!
Who me, a camper? If you've never camped before, this aspect of scouting may seem a bit overwhelming, uncomfortable, or downright crazy. But fear not! Cub Scout camping is accessible to all and it is a great way to explore the great outdoors while bringing along a few creature comforts.
You Won't Be on Your Own
Firstly, the Pack will be circulating a packing list, FAQs and further details about each specific campout. Our Pack Camping Committee and your den leaders are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Scouting is the perfect opportunity to try a new experience with the support of an enthusiastic community eager to share knowledge with you.
Don't Overthink It
A first Cub Scout campout is remarkably similar to a day at the beach or local park. If you have ever packed a picnic lunch, spent the day at a park, and slept on an air mattress, then you are more than capable of Cub Scout camping.
We camp for 1 or 2 nights at a time, so it is not a wilderness expedition. All of our camping spots provide a "drive up" experience so that you can drop your gear at or very near the tent site. We will have toilets and running water at or within a short walk from the camp site. You can get back in your car and run to the store if you forget something important. No one will be disappearing into the wilderness. It is an easy way to learn to camp.
Keep It Simple
Most importantly, keep it simple. The more gear you take, the more items you will need to keep track of, clean, and put away. More gear means less time playing catch, hiking, joking around, and enjoying the outdoors with your family.
Also, first time campers often don't know what they really need, so the glossy camp catalogs are not the best place to start. After you've camped a couple of times, you may or may not decide that you'd like to pack an extra cooking shelter, kitchen table, portable sink, and gas grill. But the first time, folding chairs and a picnic lunch will do nicely.
On your first campout, you can team up with your den or another scout family to cook together. Pack sandwiches and things that don't require any preparation. Observe what other families brought to cook with and gather ideas for future trips. Even if your food is boring and bland, you'll likely be hungry enough that it tastes good, and you'll finish off dinner with s'mores!
Let Your Scout Help Plan
Your Den Meetings and the Cub Scout Handbook are a good way to help your Scout participate in the preparation and organization of your family's camping experience. They will learn some valuable life skills about being prepared, thinking ahead, leaving no trace, and respecting our natural spaces. Scouts should be excited about their camping adventures and about sharing all of their new knowledge with family.
On a practical note, to prepare for camping, the den and pack meetings will teach scouts about fire safety, youth protection, bad weather, basic hygiene, and staying a safe distance from wildlife.
There's No "Right" Way
Don't worry if you don't know the "right" way to do things. Embrace the challenge, keeping in mind that you are modeling some of the most important life skills: adaptability and a love of learning. Talk to your scout about how this is new for you too and share the excitement by doing research and making preparations together. With a bit of practice, our scouts will embrace new challenges at school and in life with the same spirit of adventure.
Family Campout Checklist for Pack Overnighter
The following is a list of general camping equipment useful for pack campouts, although exactly what you need will depend on specific arrangements for the campout.