Apparently I Camp Now

Camping is usually the highlight of a Cub Scout year.  Campouts are always fun occasions.  We do fair weather, family camping with cars not far from the tents.  All Scouting America (formerly BSA) rules and Guide to Safe Scouting requirements will be followed. 

As a pack we typically have two camping overnighters per year, plus the ability to attend the Occoneechee Summer Cuboree at Camp Durant.  Second-year Webelos have the opportunity to camp as a Den and camp with Scouts BSA troops during their Webelos Invitationals.

As a Pack we only camp in Occoneechee-approved locations.  The current list can be found at ocscouts.org.

Camping Equipment List (for your family)

• Six essentials (first-aid kit, water bottle, flashlight, trail food, sun protection, whistle)

• Class A uniform (scout button-down shirt and hat at a minimum)

• Tent

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad/mat (optional)

• Pillow

• Night clothes

• Rain gear

• Personal medications

• Mess kit (cup, plate, bowl, spoon, fork, knife or “spork”)

• Long pants

• Fleece or other warm top

• Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes

• Change of clothes

• Sunscreen, hat

• Wet wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Bugspray

• Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)

• Camp chairs

• Trash bags

• Personal cooler for food (optional depending on menu)

Camping dos:

• Always watch out for your child and know where they are.  Enforce the Buddy System.  Make sure your child is with a buddy – and knows they are – if they are not physically right there with you.

• Complete a trial set-up of your tent before you get on-site.  Make sure it is complete and you know how to put it up.

• Plan on it getting colder than you think. Colder weather gear can always be stored in the car and brought out as necessary.  Additionally, check the rating on your sleeping bags.

• Always bring rain gear.  Be prepared!

• Always have a change of clothes to sleep in.  Do not use your sleeping bag with normal clothing, as you may have come into contact with something that you don’t want in your bag (i.e., poison ivy).

• Always have a tarp to put under your tent.  Make sure none of it sticks out from the bottom.

• Get your child to do as much of the work camping as possible (help putting up the tent, carrying supplies, etc.).

• Air-out your tent, tarp and sleeping bags as soon as you return home.  Otherwise, you get a musty smell that’s hard to shake.

• Store your sleeping bag loose when you get home, or it will lose loft (loft gives it warmth).

Camping don’ts

• Never be in a tent with a child that is not your own.  Adults and scouts do not need to be in a tent that is not their own.

• No alcohol or tobacco products anywhere, anyhow, anytime.

• Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brough on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except for those specifically planned for target shooting under supervision of a currently certified BSA national shooting sports director or National Rifle Association firearms instructor.

• Never leave food/candy/chips or wrappers of any kind in your tent or in clothes in your tent.  Please store all food items in a sealable container, as those smells will attract unwanted visitors.

• Cub Scouts should not have knives in Lion, Tiger and Wolf ranks.  Bears and higher ranks can only bring pocketknives if they have completed the Whittling Chip pocket knife achievement and if they bring their Whittling Chip card or badge.  No knives with a blade longer than the width of a child’s palm.

• Avoid 100% cotton clothing.  Cotton stays damp and makes you feel cold.

• Leave behind electronic game systems or other similar items.  Besides the chance of them being lost or damaged, this is your child’s opportunity to escape the screens.