Packing List:
Being a new scout can be very overwhelming! Therefore, this list has been constructed to help you pack for your campouts. As with any campout, you as the scout should check weather forecasts for the week to ensure you have packed properly.
First, here is a list of things you should bring to EVERY campout:
- Large backpack
- Scout handbook
- Knife (Make sure you have totin’ chip!)
- A filled water bottle
- Mess kit with eating utensils
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Rain poncho
- Any toiletries
- Good quality, broken-in hiking boots
- Insect repellent (Non-aerosol)
These are camping necessities and should be brought to every campout to ensure that you are prepared for any scenario.
Spring Camping
In the spring, it is common for it to rain. If your clothes get wet, you need to make sure that you have extra clothes to put on. Walking around in wet socks can cause trench foot, and walking in wet underwear can cause monkey butt, a red, painful rash on your backside. Both are serious injuries and should be reported to an adult as soon as possible. It is also important to dress in layers when appropriate so that you do not get cold.
Here is a complete list of things to pack during the spring:
- Long sleeve shirts (1 extra)
- Long pants (1 extra)
- Socks (2 extra for every 3 days)
- Underwear (2 extra for every 3 days)
- Long pajamas
Summer Camping
Summer camping is far different from spring camping. Normally, it is very hot on these campouts, and you should make sure you drink plenty of water. Lack of water can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration may include headaches, confusion, and extreme thirst. Dehydration is a serious condition, and you should drink water and tell an adult if you have any of these symptoms.
Things that should be in your pack include:
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Light socks (2 extra for every 3 days)
- Underwear (2 extra for every 3 days)
- Short pajamas
- Sunscreen (Non-aerosol)
- Swimsuit (If needed)
Winter Camping
Camping in the winter can be very cold. Snow is always possible on these trips, and it is important to pack extra clothes in case they get wet. As always, make sure that you dress in layers so that you stay warm.
Some things you will want to pack include:
- Winter coat
- Snow boots
- Wool, or any other warm socks—NOT COTTON (2 extra for every 3 days)
- Sweatshirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Long pants
- Underwear (2 extra for every 3 days)
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves
- Snow pants (If applicable)
Fall Camping
Weather at the beginning of fall can be quite mild, while the end of fall can be very cold. When packing for a fall campout, you should check the forecast to determine what type of clothes you should pack. If it is cold, make sure you dress in multiple layers to stay warm! Follow the guidelines for any of the seasons mentioned above based on the forecast.
Following this packing guide will get requirement 1a signed off for the Tenderfoot rank. Make sure you have everything on this list to be prepared.
