What to bring Camping

(items in blue apply to cold weather conditions)

Water - canteen or water bottle(s), bring lots (i.e. extra jugs)

Food (as needed...also gorp or snacks if desired)

Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap & towel or wipes, hand sanitizer (optional)

Clothing - dress in layers to avoid sweating during the day; have extra, dry, warm clothing (always prepare for more extreme weather and temps than forecast)

Hiking Shoes (Water proof) - bring extra shoes/boots in case the first pair gets wet

Tent & Tarp

• Do not use an over-sized tent in cold weather! 2 people should not be using a tent meant 4 or more people! (Your body and breath heat up the inside of a tent...it's a lot harder if that tent is big!)

• DO put a tarp under your tent (and fold the extra under if there's any chance of precipitation)

• Do consider a "tent liner", tarp, or space blanket to put inside the tent to add another layer between your sleeping bag and the ground

• Do not store food in your tent.

• Do not use a heater in your tent...tent heaters are meant for "extreme conditions camping"

Sleeping Bag & Pad (and pillow)

• "Mummy" style sleeping bags work best; generally sleeping bags rated for "0" (zero) or lower are preferable (a sleeping bag liner can help with bags that do not meet these ratings)

• Use a "sleeping pad" under your sleeping bag. There are a variety of styles. If you use a cot or air mattress you will need something to insulate under your sleeping bag! (blankets, reflecting space blankets, etc.)

Hand/Foot/Body Warmers - these work great in sleeping bags as well as gloves & boots. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid burns! (Tip: if you ever see these on discount or in bulk, buy extras! They can get expensive when purchased at the check-out counter!)

Flashlight and/or lantern

Plates, bowls, cups and utensils. (We make an effort to be green and not use too much paper goods while camping.)

Plastic garbage bags (several)

Bug Spray & Sunscreen (as needed)

Rain gear (watch the weather)

First Aid Kit (optional, Pack should have one on site)

Webelos book

Compass (if you have one)

Camera (if you wish)

Please Note: Pocket Knives, axes, saws, matches, & lighters are to be carried by adults only. Cub Scouts may only use these items if approved by leadership and adult supervision is enforced.

HEALTH FORMS - The Pack must be in possession health forms for all children AND adults attending an overnight event. The forms must be renewed annually. If you do not have a current form on record with the Pack, print one out now and bring it to the event. Click here to print out a health form

Do NOT bring: electronic games/devices or other expensive items that can be damaged or invite thieves

If you're looking to buy camp supplies here are some suggestions:

You can buy camping supplies at department stores, but personally I would avoid buying "equipment" (ie. tents, sleeping bags) from these stores

Both REI & EMS offer high-end, expensive camping supplies.

L.L. Bean, Dicks, and other sport stores offer quality clothing and supplies, but I personally would not go here to buy equipment

Cabelas (& Bass Pro) probably offer the best variety of equipment, supplies, & clothing at affordable prices

Campmor.com offers good equipment at good prices, anyone who did scouting before the Internet era will fondly recall the Campmor catalog!

Amazon.com is a great place to read reviews on equipment and probably offer the best prices

Scout stores & websites provide gear & supplies

Camping Tips

• Moisture is the enemy is the mantra for campers & hikers, especially in the cold! Watch any "survivor" show and they'll tell you if you get wet, you're in big trouble. So bring extra dry clothes!

• change in to clean, dry clothing just before climbing into your sleeping bag for the night. (consider "under armor" or "long underwear" or even fleece as good options). You can put the next day's clean clothing at the bottom of the sleeping bag to warm it up in the morning.

• wear a (wool) hat and "warm" socks to bed! Consider mittens or gloves for cold nights. Hand/Foot/Body warmers are nice in a sleeping bag!

• bring extra blankets to have handy. these work great under, and inside the sleeping bag...but NOT ON TOP - sleeping bags insulate with pockets of air..."crushing" a sleeping bag defeats its ability to insulate

• If you're cold in your bag, try "running in place" or "the bicycle" movements to warm up

• Like a sleeping bag, your tent insulates and is waterproofed by "air pockets" in the woven fabrics. When putting up your tent, don't stretch it too much. Consider loosening the tarp a little if rain is expected. AVOID TOUCHING the edges of the tent! This "crushes" the air-pocket barrier and allows water to penetrate. Keep items inside your tent away from the walls.

• Leaving a window or flap open slightly will reduce moisture build up from breathing in your tent