PERSONAL CAMPING EQUIPMENT

(basic list for overnight camping)

Items that you will probably need for your first campout
(The Scout Shop on Page & Lindbergh is an excellent source)

Pack
This is the Scouts "suitcase" for a campout; A Scout will need it to carry his gear to and from the campsite and on hikes -- and to stow his gear while in camp. You will find a selection of packs (with & without frames) available in a variety of prices. Choose one that is comfortable and that can hold all his clothing and equipment.
Sleeping Bag
or
2-3 Blankets
 You want to sleep well. To do this you must be warm! For your first overnight camp, one to three blankets will probably do. Eventually you will want a sleeping bag. Buy the best you can afford. A bag filled with polyester fiberfill is good. Down is better. Purchasing a good sleeping bag (provided it is large enough to "grow into") can be a life-time investment
Foam Pad
(or air mattress)
You also want to sleep comfortably.
Many campers use a shoulder-to-hip-length polyurethane pad.
Others like an air mattress.
Ground sheet
(plastic)
You place it on top of the ground under your sleeping bag and/or foam pad.
This helps keep your sleeping and camping gear dry.
Poncho
(or rain coat & rain hat)
When (not if) the weather gets rainy, you're gonna need this.
Boots
For rugged use -- hiking and wet weather.
Warm, dry feet are essential
(ask any soldier!)
Flashlight
There are no electric lights in the woods and when the sun goes down,
it gets very DARK.
To find your way thru the woods, to head for the latrine, or to locate something in your pack at night, a good flashlight (with spare batteries)
is a necessity!
Water Bottle
(or "canteen")
Drinking water is essential and
a water bottle is necessary on hikes and desireable even in camp.
Scout knife
A Scouts "tool kit".
Use it to build a fire, cut rope, etc,
(BSA "frowns" on sheath knives though)
Boy Scout Handbook
Your Scout "Bible" -- it always comes in handy!
Eating Kit:
(Knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup &, bowl)
We all have to eat -- and with utensils like civilized people!
Toilet Kit:
(Soap in box, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, and towel)
A Scout is clean!
Optional:
First Aid Kit
Buy one or you can make your own
Axe
(or Camp Saw)
America was built by pioneers using an axe but
a saw is probably more practical in today's camping world.
Matches in a waterproof case
for building fires,
use wooden "stick" matches but
wet, moist ones are of no use.
Compass
For orienteering, advancement, etc.
it's "nice" (but not necessary) to have your own.

Any questions you might have regarding equipment needed for a campout
may be directed to our Scoutmaster, or one of his Assistants
Feel free to give 'em a call!