Camping Essentials

Camping Equipment

The Troop supplies tents, tarps, stoves, lanterns, water containers, etc. Each patrol has its own set of pots/pans and cooking utensils. Each patrol is responsible for the maintenance of their equipment. Adults provide their own tents and personal equipment.

Recommended Camping Gear & Equipment

Every Scout and Adult Leader camping with Troop 218 must bring the following items on campouts:

The "Twelve Essentials"

These items should be taken on all camping with Troop 218.

  1. Change of clothes and boots
  2. The Official Boy Scout Handbook
  3. Pocket Knife (you must have your "Tote-N-Chip" to carry a knife)
  4. First Aid Kit (The Troop takes a large one on the campouts)
  5. Water in a water bottle or hydration pack
  6. Fire starting materials (waterproof matches or waterproof container)
  7. Pencil/Pen & Paper
  8. Flashlight, extra bulbs/batteries
  9. Rain Gear
  10. Field Uniform (aka Class-A) — We always travel to camp in the Field Uniform.
  11. Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
  12. Mess kit: shallow bowl, knife, fork, spoon, and drinking cup (Hot or Cold, depending on weather conditions). Paper cups, utensils and plates are not provided for Scouts or adults.


An internal or external frame backpack is recommended for all Scouts who will be involved long term.

 

To help Scouts keep on schedule with events and responsibilities, a digital or analog battery-powered watch is strongly encouraged for campouts and mandatory for Bartle. (NOT A SMARTWATCH, that requires recharging. Scouts are not allowed to use adult charging stations.) These may be purchased at many local retailers or Amazon for as little as $10.

 

Permission Slip

There is one Permission Slip for the parents to sign, which covers all outings for the calendar year. This must be filled out with emergency contact information and signed by the parent before the Scout can attend the event. In addition, adults are not allowed to drive to events unless we have their vehicular information on file. Emails will be sent before each troop event outlining the logistics of the event. If a Scout has not turned in a permission slip at the time of departure for the campout, the Scout will not be able to attend the campout.

 

Medication/Special Needs

If your son has any special needs, we will need to have a full medical background on him. If he requires medication while on a campout, we must have a medication release form filled out. His medication must be in the original prescription bottle with detailed instructions on when he needs it and how to administer the medication. This should be given to the Adult Leader in charge of the campout. No Scout may take medicine on their own. An Adult Leader must administer it. (We have made exceptions for inhalers and bee sting allergy kits – Scouts will be allowed to always keep these items with them, but we must be informed before the campout, and the same paperwork applies.)

 

Camping Equipment

This is a list of camping equipment that is recommended by members of Troop 218. These items can be found at camping retail outlets, garage sales, thrift stores, or borrowed from friends.

  • Clothing
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Rain Poncho or rain suit
  • Light shirt (*T'-shirt), synthetic wicking material
  • Heavy shirt or long -sleeved Jacket
  • Shorts
  • Long pants
  • Lightweight socks (Poly-blend is best; nylon is also recommended)
  • Two pairs of heavyweight wool or poly-blend socks (Cotton is not a good sock for hiking.)
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Extra Shoes
  • Extra Shirt/Pants/socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Personal Hygiene
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush/paste/floss
  • Sunscreen lotion (at least SPF 10)
  • Lip balm
  • Insect repellent (the higher the DEET, the better)
  • Soap (anti-bacterial liquid soap in small container)
  • Hair comb/brush (& unbreakable mirror)
  • Personal First-aid kit — Adhesive bandages - Adhesive Tape - Moleskin - Safety Pins
  • Repair kit: Needle & thread, Spare buttons
  • Religious faith materials (Bible, etc.)
  • Multi-purpose tool — pliers, screwdriver, etc. (if desired)
  • Two plastic trash bags
  • Rope (6-8') or Paracord (50-100')
  • Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp pillow
  • Tripod chair (Scouts may not use a chair with a back until achieving Eagle Scout rank)
  • Frame Backpack (external or internal), or other suitable carrier of your equipment
  • Winter Camping Equipment (Additional equipment required)
  • Clothing
  • Wool or Poly-blend clothing is excellent, as it still insulates when wet, it wicks water away from your skin, and it dries out quicker than cotton. When cotton gets wet, it tends to stay wet and does not insulate as well.
  • The new synthetic-fiber clothing is the best, but costlier. Occasionally you can find bargains, but 'good ole' wool is the least expensive way to go. Down is warm when dry but when it gets wet it tends to lose heat quickly.
  • Adults must provide their own tent

 

  • These items are essential for winter camping:
    • Thermal underwear (wool or poly preferred)
    • Wool or poly shirt and pants.
    • Large parka or coat
    • Gloves, Stocking hat, or balaclava
    • Winter boots (the 'Sorrel' type is best, or "moon boots" (Athletic shoes are not permitted for winter camping.)
    • A winter-weight sleeping bag and sleep pad are not required but are recommended. (A polypropylene liner will add a 10 to 20-degree rating to your bag.)

 

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