How to Be Prepared for a First Boy Scout Camping Trip

Whether you are a parent or a Boy Scout, it's easy to get a little nervous on the eve of your first real camping trip with the troop. But with a little preparation (that is the motto, after all) and some investment in good equipment, your first night under the stars should be a fun time of fellowship, learning and a chance to get some real fresh air.
The below information is for real beginners and will outline what you really need for that first trip and what decisions you need to make to have an enjoyable experience.

Things You'll Need

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Backpack
• Sleeping pad
• Mess kit
• Hiking boots
• Scout handbook
• Canteen
• Food
• Bug spray
• Weather appropriate clothing

Instructions

Preparing

1. Make sure you have information about the campgrounds--where are you going, how long will it take there and what kind of facilities it has. This information is going to dictate what you need to take with you. While the impression in many newcomers' minds will be that a camping trip is way out in the middle of the woods, in many cases you'll pitch your tent within sight of your car. Camping for beginnings is really more about the experience gained than hitting the backtrails.

2. Gather up your equipment. There are some basics that you will need, so you might have to layout some money initially. But before you do, be sure to ask you fellow Scouts. Many members of the Troop will have tents or sleeping bags that you can borrow for a weekend.
   Here is the basic equipment you should have with you for that first trip (Most troops, as well as your Scout Handbook, will offer a checklist for beginners): tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray, mess kit, canteen or water bottle, backpack, hiking boots and food (see Resources below).

3. Talk to members of your Troop before you leave about how meals will be prepared. Many Troops have boxes with kitchen supplies so that each patrol can prepare its own dinner and breakfasts. Oftentimes, these will be packed up during the meeting prior to your camping trip, so that food won't need to be packed in your personal gear. If you want snacks or trail mix, though, you can put that in your pack.

Camping

1. Put your tent together. This will save you the hassle of putting it up at night or after you are tired from a long day of activities. Tent building is usually the most intimidating thing for beginning campers. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you should just follow the instructions. Most tents these days are held up with collapsible poles and aluminum spikes. A simple two-man tent shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to erect. Once you have your tent up, you have a place to stow your gear and a place to collapse at the end of the day.

2. Take care of your bedding next. Some beginners will choose to bring a airbed to give them some extra cushion under their sleeping bed. When you first arrive at camp and have your tent up, it's best to go ahead and inflate your bed. If you don't have it blown it early, you probably won't feel like doing it when your ready to get some shut eye.

3. Fill your day with activities. A camping trip is a great opportunity to work through your handbook for Merit Badge requirements and rank advancements. Work with your leaders before the trip to plan just what you want to get accomplished during the trip. This can include a hike, first aid lessons or even cooking the meals.

4. End the day with a great campfire, some stories and an assessment of how your camping trip went. Some Troops have a tradition of going around the fire with "Roses" and "Thorns," talking about what went right and wrong with the weekend.

5. Break down your tent as soon as you can in the morning. Having all of your gear packed up quick will enable you to leave your campsite clean and keep you on schedule.

Tips & Warnings

• Scouts often require a list of your medical history before you can make your first camping trip. Be sure you feel like you are in the good enough shape to make the camp.

Resources

• A checklist of the camping gear you need.