Get a Good Night's Sleep Before Camp!
Important Information Here!
This section is mostly based on my own experience, but it pulls from the troop packing list. The following is a list of things from below which I believe to be absolutely essential. Of course, try to bring everything if you can, but without these, your experience will not be nearly as fun as it could be.
- Trading Post Money
- Hammock
- Bug Spray
- Water Bottle
- Sleeping Bag
- Scout Handbook
- Wristwatch
- Folding Chair
- Headlamp
- Swimsuit
- Cell Phone
- MB Prerequisites!
Banned
- Footlockers/luggage - Too bulky, an absolute no-go.
- Croc/foam shoes or hiking sandals - Say it with me: "Closed toed shoes".
- Sheath knives - Pocket knives only.
- Electronic games or TVs - Who is bringing a TV to camp?
- Guns, bows, or firearms of any kind - Very dangerous, big no-no.
- Fireworks - Very dangerous, big no-no, I do not care if you think it is safe.
Clothing
- Class A Shirt - Needed for the long haul and ceremonies.
- Class B Shirt - Important for representing our troop!
- Scout Pants - Needed for the long haul and ceremonies.
- Scout Shorts - Useful, may be part of your scout pants via zipper.
- Casual Shorts - Absolute must, bring many changes.
- Casual T-Shirts - Absolute must, bring many changes.
- Underwear - Absolute must, bring many changes.
- Socks - Absolute must, bring many changes.
- Wristwatch - You must be able to tell the time!
- Sweatshirt/Sweater/Jacket - Nice to have just in case. Be prepared!
- Long pants - Nice to have just in case, also required for some MBs.
- Pajamas - Great if you like to be extra comfy, but optional.
- Hat - The classic accessory of New Scouts! Also keeps off the sun.
- Raingear - When it rains it pours! Bring a raincoat.
- Swim Suit - Bring this even if you never plan to touch any water!
- Swim Goggles - Please do not open your eyes underwater.
- Towel - An absolute must no matter what.
- Small Towel & Washcloth - Important for showers.
- Hiking Boots - Optional, may be needed for some MBs.
- Spare Shoes - Great for boating and as a backup.
- Water Shoes - Optional, just know that you need shoes for boating.
Bedding and Other Personal Items
- Sleeping Bag - Great to lay on or lay in.
- Sleeping Pad - Not a mattress, good for adirondacks.
- Pillow - Good for supporting your head at night
- Toothpaste and Toothbrush - Brush your teeth!
- Soap, Shampoo, Body Wash - Please shower.
- Non-Aerosol Insect Repellant - Beyond important, bring lots and lots.
- Sunscreen Lotion - Make sure not to get burned
- Deodorant - Smelling good is good.
- Comb - Keep your hair neat.
Merit Badge Materials
- Scout Handbook - You had better get stuff signed off!
- Merit Badge Materials - DON'T FORGET PREREQUISITES!!!
- Pencils - You need to write stuff down.
- Notebook - Mostly for the paper.
- Merit Badge Pamphlets - Great if you recorded stuff in them.
Other
- Large Duffle Bag - How else will you carry in your stuff?
- Day Pack/Cinch Sack - Super important for everything!
- Folding Chair - You need to have something to sit on.
- Hammock - Bring it or regret it, these things are awesome.
- Headlamp/Flashlight - Honestly, bring both.
- Spare batteries - Kinda optional if you charge/change batteries beforehand.
- Water Bottle - Super important. Hydrate or Diedrate
- Money for Trading Post - Bring money, you'll thank me later.
- Playing Cards, Frisbee, Volleyball, Football - Great for free time.
- Pocket Knife - No playing around with these!
- Cell Phone & Charger - Do I need to explain this one?
- Dirty Clothes Bag - Bring a trash bag so that you can keep it seperate.
- Mosquito Netting - People swear it helps them to never get bit in the night. Meanwhile I never use it and never get bit in the middle of the night either, so...