What to Pack for a Group Camping Trip

Before packing, check the weather forecast for the area where you will be. Make sure all items are labeled with your child's name. Make sure your child can identify his/her pack and knows what is in it! Note: this list was created as a checklist in order to not forget anything so it is all-inclusive. You don't necessarily need every item, every trip. Use your own best judgment and remember to check the weather forecast.

Essential Gear

• Flashlight (good quality)                   Optional: headlamp flashlight
• Extra batteries for all battery-powered equipment (in a ziplock bag)
• Sleeping bag/bedroll                   Optional: waterproof pad in case of night accidents
• Mess kit (bowl/plate, cup/mug, fork, knife, spoon)
• Water bottle - suitable for carrying on a hike (such as a Nalgene or sport water bottle)
• Pocket/utility knife (folding or w/sheath) IF activities require it - check with scoutmaster or trip leader
• Scout handbook (if needed for activities)

Personal Items & Washup Kit

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Soap (all-purpose, biodegradeable)
• Lip balm
• "Croakies" for glasses
• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Sunglasses
• Bug repellent (if temps above 40F)
• Sunscreen (in summer)
• Towel
• Any prescription medications (in a ziplock bag)

Clothing

Don't forget to label all items! Pack items that can be worn in layers to adapt to varying temperatures. Plan on one of each item per day, with at least one extra set in case clothing gets wet. (Don't plan to change clothing just because it gets dirty - dirt is part of camping!) For example, for a trip leaving Friday evening and returning Sunday, pack 3-4 pairs of socks and underwear, 3 pants/shorts, 3 shirts/tees, 1 pajamas (2 in case of night accidents), 1 jacket. It's a good idea to pack items in plastic bags, or pack a few extra plastic bags to pack dirty/damp items for the return trip.

Year-round:

• Pajamas
• Underwear
• Socks (1 pair per day +extras)
• Sweatshirt or fleece
• Long-sleeved shirt(s) - at least one long-sleeved shirt or light jacket even in summer, in case of buggy evenings
• Long pant(s) - at least one even in summer in case of buggy evenings
• Rain gear — hooded jacket or poncho

Additional Summer Items:

• Shorts
• Swimsuit
• T-shirts
• Baseball cap or sun hat
• Optional: flip-flops or water shoes

Additional Winter Items :

• Warm, waterproof boots
• Warm, waterproof coat
• Mittens/gloves & spares
• Hat/ski mask
• Thermals/long underwear
• Optional: Sweatpants or fleece pants
• Snow pants

Optional

• Binoculars (not expensive/easily breakable)
• Field guide books
• Magnifying glass (not expensive/easily breakable)
• Compass (not expensive/easily breakable)
• Small notebook/sketchbook & pencil
• Camera, film (preferably single-use camera in a ziplock bag)
• Day pack (small backpack) for hikes