How to Prepare for a Cub Scout Campout

Camping out is one of the most exciting activities a Cub Scout does. You son may look forward to a campout for months. When once the day arrives, make sure he's prepared to spend the night with his Pack. Going over a few camping responsibilities and packing the correct supplies and equipment is essential.

Things You'll Need

• Clothing
• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Tent
• First-aid kit
• Pans
• Utensils
• Flashlight
• Personal care items
• Bucket
• Shovel
• Garbage bag
• Hammer

Instructions

Pack for Overnight Campout

1. Pack the clothes for your Scout. Plan on warm and cold weather, taking along long and short pants, as well as long and short sleeve shirts. Take extra layers if camping in a cold area.

2. Bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Make sure the sleeping bag is designed to keep you son warm. A well made, insulated bag is necessary in colder environments. An air mattress may also be nice to have if the campout is not in a remote location that requires your son to carry the extra gear.

3. Keep a special first-aid type bag on hand to throw in with the rest of your son's Scout campout gear. It should include at the least band aids, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen and bug repellent. Put these items in a reclosable plastic bag for easy access.

4. Plan on splitting up cooking essentials. Some Packs have purchased their equipment as a group, so ask the leader what items like pans, cooking utensils and plates you should pack.

5. Ask the leader for help when choosing the right tent and gear needed for shelter. Not every Scout needs a tent. Plan ahead and contact other Scout families to share shelter equipment.

6. Find the personal care items for your son, and pack them. These include soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, towels and possibly toilet paper depending on the type of campout.

7. Supply a flashlight and an ample amount of batteries. This is one item every Scout has to take, and uses daily at a campout. Other items for around camp include a bucket for water, possibly fishing pole, garbage bag, shovel and hammer.

Review Camping Rules and Responsibilities

1. Talk about rules around a campfire. For young Cub Scouts it's especially important to explain they need to stay a safe distance away from the fire. Older Cub Scouts need to know how to properly care for a fire, including keeping anything burnable at least 10 feet away, never leaving the fire unattended and how to put the fire out properly.

2. Explain the importance of not wandering off without proper adult supervision. At the same time, you should make sure the pack plans to keep your child in the group by buddying up Scouts so no one is ever left alone.

3. Go over any specific rules the Cub Scout Pack leader has issued. These could include the areas the Scouts are allowed to be, where to go to the bathroom, the time for lights out and assignment of chores.

4. Read over the Cub Scout Promise, and review what being a good citizen means. This should help your Scout keep in mind that he has promised to protect the environment and his surroundings.

5. Make sure your Scout can build the tent. It's a good idea to have he and his friends practice this ahead of time. Pratice building the tent before their own at the campout.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to the pack leader and other Scout parents, often times there is too much gear. Sharing the responsibilities of bringing the right gear can save everyone time and money.

• Pack extra socks and even shoes. Cub Scouts tend to get wet feet easily, and keeping their feet dry and warm is a must when camping out.

• Don't forget coats, hats and gloves if your camper will be outdoors in a colder climate.

• Make sure you pack any medications. Most pack leaders ask you to pack the medications with instructions so they can keep them to properly disburse them.

• If you don't think your son is old enough to spend a night at a campout, don't let him go alone. Young Scouts are required to have a parent with them, but older Scout parents are always welcome as chaperons.