"We are not a club or a Sunday school class, but a school of the Woods" - Baden Powell

Scouting is about learning while having fun. Adventure is not in a classroom or on a computer screen, it is out of doors! Here is a list of essential and optional items to help you get the best of your camping experience. Make sure you read the BSA Guidelines at the bottom of the page to understand what is and is not acceptable on a scout camping adventure.

Ten Outdoor Essentials

· First aid kit

· Filled water bottle

· Flashlight

· Trail food

· Sunscreen

· Whistle

· Map and compass

· Rain gear

· Pocket knife (Scouts that have earned "Wood Chip" badge and Adults only please)

· Matches or fire starters (Adults or Webelos, with leader supervision and working toward "Outdoorsman" badge)

Overnight Gear

· (Outdoor essentials plus...)

· Tent or tarp, poles and stakes

· Ground cloth

· Sleeping bag

· Pillow

· Air mattress or pad

· Warm jacket

· Sweatshirt

· Sweatpants (for sleeping)

· Cup, bowl, knife, fork, spoon.

· Insect repellant

· Extra clothing

· Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, washcloth, towel, comb, deodorant.

· Toilet paper!

· Cub Scout Uniform (or Class B T-shirt depending on expected activities)

· Durable shoes/boots

· Hat or cap

· Food, foil packs, camp stoves, charcoal or propane portable grill.

· Trash/Garbage Bags (Leave No Trace).

First time campers can rent equipment from REI in Buford. Call 770.831-0676. They have stoves, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks.

Optional items

· Camera, binoculars, sunglasses, fishing gear, notebook & pencil, nature books, swimsuit, towel, Bible, games, cards.

· Camp chairs, portable table, etc

Keeping Warm

· Plan on it getting colder at night.

· Bring extra blankets.

· Change into clean dry clothing at bedtime and were a knit hat to keep your head warm and retain body heat.

· Avoid cotton clothing. Wool is best.

Den vs. Pack Camping

Only Webelos can camp as dens.

All ranks are encouraged to participate in pack level camping.

Pack Provided Equipment

· Pack First Aid kit

· American Flag

· Flagpole

· Food (if supplying meal for pack)

· Planned activities

· Firewood

Behavior

1. A Good attitude is important.

2. Adults – please keep tabs on your scout(s)/children. Enforce the buddy system.

3. The Buddy System:

· Always travel with a buddy

· Know where your buddy is at all times.

4. Never go off alone with an adult or older child who is not your parent or adult guardian.

5. Use common sense.

6. Respect others.

BSA Policy

Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use and Abuse is prohibited at all Scouting encampments, activities, events and meetings.

Never sleep in a tent with a child that is not your own family.

No gasoline fuels (heaters or stoves).

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss06.aspx

Two-deep leadership: Two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating Scout.

Youth protection is required of all registered leaders and is recommended for all parents/adult partners of Scouts. Specific training may be required at some events based on the activity available. Youth Protection and some leader specific training is available online at www.myscouting.org website.

At least one BALOO trained leader is required on all Pack campouts.

At least one OWL trained leader is required on Webelos den campouts.

Someone trained in CPR/AED/Wilderness FIRST AID is highly suggested on all outings.

Separate shower and latrine facilities should be available or used at separate times for male and female participants.

Safety rule of four: No fewer than four individuals (always with minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout.

Knives: Cub Scouts (Bears, Webelos) may use a pocket knife at campouts IF they have been awarded the BSA Whittling chip AND have it in their possession. BSA policy is that only knives with a locking blade are permissible. NO fixed blade knives. Knives should be used in a safe manner, under adult supervision. Knives are subject to confiscation by any adult witnessing unsafe use.

Campfires should not be attended by Cub Scouts. Exceptions may exist for Webelos Scouts under certain circumstances and for rank achievement requirements when supervised.

Other suggestions:

No gas lanterns, stoves or grills should be inside your tent at any time.

Do not leave heaters on at night while sleeping. Make sure your tent is well ventilated if using a heater and that it is safe for tent use. Use extreme caution!

Don’t bring electronic games, iPods, iPads, jewelry, etc.