| I am ready to go camping... What do I need to know? |
As the Cub Scout camping experience comes upon us this year, I wanted to pass on a few general notes about this experience and the type of stuff you may want to bring along.
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Cub Scout camping is geared for boys from 6 to 10 years old and serves as an introduction to the camping experience through fun, exciting activities. Advancement will be included as a part of the camping program but not the focus for the Cub Scouts. It is important for this to be family time and usually there will be time alloted for this.
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You may do some activites from the Cub's books if you wish as a family unit. Please take a look and see what is there for activities as it relates to preparing for the outdoors and being outdoors in the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos manuals. There may be some nature activities that you could do as a family in the free time. You are Akela and can do check-offs for achievements. But since this type of stuff is not the basis of the camping you also have the choice to not do it and consider other things.
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The camping activity for these boys is not high adventure or military in style. There will be no knives, hatchets, blazing of trails, or roughing it at all. Fighting inclement weather is also never in the plan as it tends to turn children away from the experience. This is to be simple camping done someplace besides your back yard is all.
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With this is mind, here are some ideas for things to bring along to make the camping, especially the lodging portion, more conducive to our young children. You will be working out of your car and not packing in as is always the case with the Cub Scout Camping experience. You will be literally camping out of the back of the car.
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| Overall there are a few rules besides those found in The Pack Handbook which are: |
- No liquid fuel at the camping area
- No flames in the tents
- No electronic devices on campouts
- No children with knives or other cutting devices
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| Tents and Sleeping Ideas |
- Tent - An inexpensive 4 person dome style tent
- Drop Cloth - Essential to keep moisture to a minimum within the tent
- Sleeping bags with fiber fill, manmade fibers, etc. These dry easier
- Sleeping mats such as a blow-up air matress. These are the most comfortable. Just rememebr, thicker is better. Cots are also very good but a little pricey. Try to arrange it so you get a good night's rest.
- Pillows
- Blankets/Comforters - Good to lay down on the air matresses under the bags
- Fuzzies or other sleeping mates. If you child sleeps with a teddy, you should consider bringing it along
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| Personal Items |
- Clothing to cover the weather. It may be chilly at night so plan accordingly
- Night time PJ's or other sleeping clothes
- Plenty of clothing for the trip
- Raingear just in case. Cheap ponchos are great - check the dollar store
- Extra shoes & socks in case of puddles
- Toiletries to include extra toilet paper just in case there is a shortage
- Towels and soap for cleaning up
- Wipes and/or sanitary hand cleaner for quick cleanups
- FIRST AID Kit for your family. Small one with band aids & cleaning pads is fine should fit in your pocket
- Flashlight with good batteries or other lighting device for the tent. Battery driven only
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| Other Items |
- Chairs for free time around the tent
- Small table to augment chairs if you so desire
- A shade producing device such as an umbrella or other thing as we will be in a field for this campout
- Hats for sun protection
- Sun Screen for sun protection
- Bug Spray for insect protection
- Sun glasses as you see fit
- Carpet piece for the front of the tent for leaving shoes, etc.
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| Food Items |
- Snacks and drinks for in the tent refreshments
- Marshmallows, stuff to make campfire snacks
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| This list only serves to kick-start your mind for ideas and nothing listed is required but use common sense to make the stay as comfortable as possible for the Cub and you. |
