Summer Camp Gear List

Time to think about summer camp. Here’s a suggested list of what to bring. We used to have another list, but I’m not sure what became of it. If you have other suggestions, let me know, and I’ll edit them in. The same list applies to adults as to Scouts, but adults should bring something to amuse themselves with (books, rope & a good knotting book, letters to write, etc). Adults will have some free time.

If it’s your first time at camp, don’t hesitate to ask others who have been before for suggestions.

What To Bring:

• Large gear bag, rubbermaid tub, footlocker, or backpack. A large duffel that zips open on top works well. It will be in your tent, so convenient access is the rule rather than being able to carry it comfortably. Lots of pockets will help you keep your gear organized. A rubbermaid tub will keep everything dry when the wind blows rain under your tent AND serve as a table.

Clothes:
Clothes should not be cotton if you can avoid it. Cotton, when wet, sucks heat out of your body and dries very slowly. Try to aim for synthetics or wool.

• Scout uniform – shirt, neckerchief, slide, Scout Handbook (put your scout book in a gallon ziploc bag to keep it pristine)
  
• Hangers - this will keep your uniform (which you need throughout the week) tidy
• Long sleeve shirt
• Two short sleeve shirts
• Long pants
• Two pairs of shorts
• Belt
• Underwear – Please change them every day!
• Socks – Bring plenty. Crusty or wet socks are uncomfortable. Stinky ones make your roommate grumpy.
• Sweater or sweatshirt – It can get cold at night.
• Windbreaker
• Knit watch cap – Sometimes it’s much more comfortable at night if you can cover your lid.
• Swimsuit & towel - Bring two swimsuits if you can. One can be drying while you use the other.
  
• Camp shoes – It’s good to have something light and comfortable to hang around camp in – no open toes
• Bandannas – They have several thousand uses.
• Rain coat or poncho
• Sunscreen – no aerosol
• Hat – wide brimmed is better for sun protection
• Sunglasses – gotta look cool
• Bug repellent – no aerosol

Gear:

• Sleeping bag – Try not to have too warm a bag. It’s better to have a lighter bag and some blankets so you can adjust to sleep comfortably without sweltering.

• Ground pad (closed cell or Thermarest) or cot – Very important - You’ll either be on concrete or wood platforms. A ground pad or a cot will make you much more comfortable and keep you warmer.
• Pillow
• Mess kit – bowl, cup, spoon at a minimum
• Water bottle – Try to make it one that you can carry around with you. Stay hydrated.
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Writing materials – notebook, pen, pencil, etc. for merit badge classes
• Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, comb or brush (you never know), deodorant, wet wipes (being a bit cleaner can help you sleep if you couldn’t get a shower), soap
• Watch - You need to get to classes on time - very important
• Prescription medication (but be sure to let your leaders know about it and take care of it)
• Pocket knife (if you have your Totin’ Chip)
• Folding chair (optional) – There will be a picnic table, so no chair won’t kill you.
• Camera – You’ll want to collect pictures to embarrass your friends in later years.
• A book to read?
• Spending money – for some reason, the guys love the trading post.

DO NOT BRING (lifted directly from the CA Leaders’ guide):

• Sheath knives
• Fireworks
• Boxing or martial arts equipment
• Bicycles
• Personal firearms
• Private ammunition
• Immoral materials
• CELL PHONES (they capitalized it, so they must mean it)
• Personal archery equipment
• Climbing/rappelling equipment
• Camouflage clothing
• Illegal drugs & alcohol