Camping

Keeping the "Outing" in Scouting

During a Scouts rank advancement there is a step where adults from the troop interview the Scout to see how things are going in the Troop 163. The adults ask every Scout, What do you like about Scouting?" The most common  answer received is “Camping!"

Camp Mitigwa Map

Camping is an integral part of the Scouting experience. However, for camping to be enjoyable there are some basics that we need to keep in mind.  Every Scout needs to bring the following to each campout:

Permission Slip

Money for the Grubmaster

• The Grubmaster will be paid as directed (approximately $4) for each meal provided.

The Scouting Ten Essentials

• A pocket knife (presumably more than just a knife, a Swiss Army knife for example) can come in handy in a wide variety of situations. It is useful for tasks as large as building an emergency shelter or lighting a campfire with poor fuel, or as small as repairing a damaged backpack. (you must have earned your Totem Chip in order to use a pocket knife)

• A personal first aid kit can be a lifesaver. A basic kit for first aid might include adhesive bandages, medical tape, sterile gauze, moleskin, soap, antiseptic, a mouth-barrier device for CPR, and scissors.

• Extra clothing to match the weather. Multiple layers are superior to a single massive jacket, because layered clothing is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures.

• Rain gear is very important. Being wet from rain may result in hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition.

• A flashlight is, of course, important for finding one's way at night.

• Trail food is good for maintaining your energy. However, the human body can reportedly survive for weeks without food, so starving to death should be the least of your worries if you become lost in the wilderness.

• Water is probably the most important of the Essentials. Dehydration may develop into heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The human body may only survive for a few days without water. Portable water purifiers and water stills may be used to obtain potable water from virtually any source. If a watersource is unavailable the use of a dromedary bag should be considered.

• Matches may be used to light fires for heat, or for signalling purposes. (Publicly owned forests in the United States often have lookout stations for forest fires and signal fires.)

• Sun protection may include sunblock, sunglasses, lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat. Used properly, it will prevent sunburn and possibly heat exhaustion.

• Trail maps and compass are probably the most important tools one can carry in case of getting lost, but they won't be of any use to someone who does not know how to use them. In knowledgeable hands, they can be used to determine one's location and the best route to reach another location.

Overnight Camping Gear 

• Found on page 292-293 of the Boy Scout Handbook, 2009 12th edition, with a few additions from Troop 163

• Remember to put your name on everything, down to the last sock!

Your Scouting Handbook (Keep in a waterproof bag in case of rain)

 Wear and bring

• Clothing appropriate for the season

• Extra Socks

• Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes (no open-toed shoes allowed on outings)

• Extra pair of shoes for around camp

• More socks!

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping Bag (rated for the weather you will need it for)

• Sleeping Pad

• Ground Cloth (if camping under the stars)

• Pillow (if wanted)

Mess Kit

• Spoon

• Plate

• Bowl

• Cup

• Mesh Bag (for dunking mess kit)

 Clean-Up Kit

• Soap

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Dental Floss

• Comb

• Small Towel

• Deodorant

Optional Personal Items

• Watch (needed especially at summer camp and camporees)

• Camera

• Pen or Pencil

• Small Notebook

• Swimsuit and Swim Towel

• Camp Chair

• Battery Operated Fan (needed especially at summer camp)

Other gear for specific activities

• The Troop will let you know what extra gear you will need to bring for any given activity like fishing, backpacking, etc.

Note: Electronics are only allowed in vehicles traveling to and from outings. They will stay in the vehicle during the outing. Cell phone use will be per Troop cell phone policy.

Troop 163 is not responsible for any personal electronic equipment or a Scout's personal belongings, each Scout is ultimately responsible for anything they choose to bring. If you don't want it to get wet, stepped on or misplaced, leave it home.