Camping

"A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room."
-Robert Baden-Powell

Troop 318 camps each month. Our campouts range from fishing, float trips, hiking, and much more. 


Camping Essentials

Unless otherwise noted, this list is taken from Chapter 9 of the Scouts, BSA Handbook.

Please do not feel that a Scout needs all of these items for their first campout. Bold items are the most important. Let the Troop Leadership know if you don't have something. We've been camping a long time and may have some extra stuff.


Personal Camping Gear Checklists

Scout Basic Essentials
  • Pocketknife
  • First aid kit
  • Extra clothing
  • Rain gear
  • Good attitude
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Sun protection
  • Watch
Cold Weather Items
  • Gloves or Mittens
  • Hot Hands hand warmers
  • Heavy Coat (not something that melts)
  • Long-sleeved Shirt
  • Long pants
  • Sweater
  • Hiking Boots or Sturdy Shoes
  • Stocking hat (fleece or wool)
  • Long Underwear or "base layer" 
    (should fit snug)
Other Items
  • Backpack
  • Sleeping pad (especially important in cold weather)
  • Sleeping bag; or two or three blankets. Check the weather. Be sure your sleeping bag is rated below the forecasted temperature. If it's not, bring extra blankets
  • Mess Kit; spoon, plate, bowl, cup
  • Rain cover for backpack
  • Personal Hygiene Kit soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, towel, shower shoes

Group Camping Gear Checklist

  • Tents, ground cloths, and stakes
  • Dining fly and stakes
  • 50-foot nylon cord
  • Cook kit
    • Stove(s) and fuel
    • Matches and/or butane lighter (in resealable plastic bags or containers)
    • Pots and pans (matched to menu and dishwashing needs)
    • Spatula, large spoon, and/or ladle (matched to menu needs)
  • Cleanup Kit
    • Biodegradable soap
    • Sanitizing rinse agent
    • Scouring pads (no soap type)
    • Trash can liners (for use as bear bags and for packing out litter and garbage)
    • Toilet paper
    • Food strainer
  • Repair kit
    • Thread
    • Needles
    • Safety pins
  • Group extras (optional)
    • Hot pot tongs
    • Plastic, collapsible water container (1 or 2½ gallon)
    • Water-treatment filter or tablets
    • Two 4-by-4-foot plastic sheets for food preparation surfaces
    • Spade
    • Grill
    • Patrol flag
    • United States Flag
    • Two 50-foot ropes and bear bags
    • Patrol first-aid kit