Camping Introduction

Camping Overview

Why go camping? To enjoy nature, unplug from the city lifestyle, and live a bit more simply for a few days and nights. Go on a hike, explore a mountain peak, see wildlife, and maybe cook some simple food by the fire-  All these things can be done while camping as long as you are prepared.   

Of course, if you have questions, any of the leaders in your pack can help.  Just reach out to a leader and let them know you're new to camping.  We can help with planning or arrange a buddy to help you!

Tent & Sleeping

It is expected that you will bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Families may sleep together, but if Scouts want to sleep on their own, they must sleep in tents of only one gender and be under adult supervision.

Food

For a weekend campout, Pack 88 generally does communal food on Saturday and Sunday, but on Friday evenings you are responsible for your own food. You can bring your own snacks for your kids, but often there will be some extra available fruit or chips for snacks.  Of course, if you have specific needs, you may want to bring your own items to supplement the group's food.

Food shall always be stored in a animal-proof container in the campgrounds, or sealed in your car. Racoons and squirrels and mice can chew holes and steal food- bad for us and bad for them!

Since personal food may be included with group food in the animal-proof food lockers, all Scouts should NOT be getting food on their own, they need to ask adults first.

Cooking & Cleaning

For a weekend campout, Pack 88 generally does communal food on Saturday and Sunday, and this includes our communal cooking gear.  You need to bring your own washable cup, plate, bowl, and utensils. 

Everyone will be assigned to at least one cooking shift and one cleanup shift. These shifts are labeled by the Scout's name, but it's expected that all family members help during that time.

Our Pack has 3 cooking boxes that each contain:

• Pots & pans, cast iron griddle, 2 large bowls.

• Serving utensils & Ladle

• Washing supplies: 3 tubs, scrubbers, soap, sterilization, water totes

• Coffee making equipment

• Aluminum foil & paper towels

• Knives & cutting boards & oven mits

• Dual burner stove, propane, and lighter

• ..other things I'm forgetting now...

Clothing & Weather

When camping in the great outdoors, temperatures can be much warmer or colder than you expect! We're also outside all day, so sun protection is essential. Bringing many layers is essential to being comfortable. An extra layer can also keep you warm in your sleeping bag if the night is colder than you expect.

Other Items

• Camp chair.  Great for sitting around camp and roasting s'mores in front of the fire.

• Flashlight

• Book?

• Hiking equipment: backpack, water bottle, sun protection, sturdy shoes.

What NOT to bring

• Electronics

• Individual toys and games: we want the Scouts to play our group games.

• Bikes or other items that not everybody will have and your kid will have a hard time sharing.

Of course, camping with the Cub Scouts is a bit different than camping with just your own family.  

Please be sure to read the "How Cub Scout Camping is Different" page next!