The running order for a campout. The PLC sets the times at the planning meeting and writes them in the blanks — download the printable version below, or work from this page.
The blank rows on Saturday are for whatever the PLC has planned: merit badge work, a hike, a service project, a game.
Friday
| Meeting Location ______ | |
| Depart | |
| Arrive at camp | |
| Setup Patrol Areas | |
| Setup Personal Tents | |
| PLC Start, Stop, Continue | |
| Cracker Barrel / Campfire | |
| Lights Out (Taps) |
Saturday
| Wake Up (Reveille) | |
| Flags | |
| Breakfast | |
| Cleanup | |
| Activities | |
| Lunch | |
| Cleanup | |
| Activities | |
| Dinner | |
| Cleanup | |
| PLC Start, Stop, Continue | |
| Dessert / Campfire / Skits | |
| Games | |
| Secure Camp | |
| Lights Out (Taps) | |
Sunday
| Wake Up (Reveille) | |
| Flags | |
| Breakfast | |
| Cleanup | |
| Pack Up Camp | |
| Patrol Line | |
| Roses, Thorns and Buds | |
| Depart Camp | |
| Arrive at Church | |
| Unpack Troop Gear | |
| Scouts dismissed |
Start, Stop, Continue
Twice a campout — Friday night and again after Saturday dinner — the PLC meets for Start, Stop, Continue. Three questions, and everyone answers:
- Start — what should we begin doing?
- Stop — what is not working?
- Continue — what went well that we should keep doing?
Friday night is early enough to fix the weekend. Saturday night is for the next campout. The SPL runs it; the Scoutmaster listens.
Evergreen Sprig
According to tradition, Native American people who were preparing to leave for new camping grounds would place an evergreen sprig on the campfire. This simple act signified to any future visitors that the area had provided good hunting, gathering, and fellowship. The evergreen sprig itself represents everlasting life.
At the end of every camping trip, one of the younger Scouts is invited to find a fresh evergreen sprig. If the campout was good—if the trails were fair, the meals shared, the laughter real, and the fellowship strong—the sprig is placed in the campfire.
The troop’s other traditions, including Miigwech and the closing ceremony, are on the Traditions page.
