Camping is where most of Scouting actually happens, and every Scout goes on their first trip sooner or later. If that is coming up, here is what the weekend looks like and what you need to do before Friday.
Nobody is expected to arrive knowing how to camp. That is the point — the older Scouts teach the younger ones, and a first campout is where a lot of that starts.
What the weekend looks like
| Friday around 5pm | Meet at the usual meeting location and load the trailer. We travel together as a troop, so be on time — we cannot wait long. Set up camp when we arrive. |
| Saturday | The main day — whatever the Scouts planned: hiking, a service project, merit badge work, games. Patrols cook their own meals. |
| Sunday back around noon | Breakfast, pack up, and head home. We return to the meeting location, unload the troop gear, and Scouts are dismissed to their families. |
Exact times vary by trip and are on the event in the calendar. The full running order is on the camping schedule.
What to bring
- A tent. Scouts tent with another Scout, never with an adult other than their own parent.
- Everything on the packing list, including the Scout Basic Essentials.
- The Scout Handbook. Requirements get signed off at camp, and it cannot happen without the book.
- Food? No — the patrol plans and shops for its own meals together. See menu planning.
What to wear
Scouts travel in the field uniform — Class A. That is the tan shirt with the troop numerals and patches, worn to and from camp.
At camp, Scouts change into the activity uniform (Class B) — a troop T-shirt and whatever suits the weather. Pack both.
Before Friday
- Sign up for the trip on the event page so we know numbers — the patrol shops based on who is coming.
- Check your medical form is current. Every Scout and adult needs one. See medical forms.
- Make sure we have your current contact details — a phone that will be answered over the weekend. If anything has changed, tell us before Friday.
- Pack using the list, and have the Scout pack it themselves. They need to know where things are.
- Tell us about allergies, dietary needs or medication before the patrol shops, not at the campsite.
Parents coming along
Parents are welcome on campouts, and we usually need a few. It is a good way to see what the troop actually does.
There is one firm condition: any adult staying overnight must be a registered leader, which includes Youth Protection Training and a background check. This is a Scouting America requirement, not a troop preference, and there is no way around it at short notice — registration takes a few weeks.
If you would like to come on this trip or a future one, talk to the Scoutmaster early. See How to Join for what registering involves.
The things families usually ask
“We don’t have any gear.” Tell us. The troop has tents and equipment, and between us we can usually sort a first trip out. Nobody should miss a campout over kit.
“My Scout has never camped before.” Good — that is who a first campout is for. They will be in a patrol with Scouts who have done it many times.
“What if something goes wrong?” There are trained adults on every trip with a first aid kit and your contact details. If we need you, we will call.
Still not sure?
Ask. A question before the trip is easier than a problem at the campsite — get in touch, or catch a leader at a Monday meeting.
