Camping Tips

Camping is a fun -- and important -- part of Boy Scouting.  Here are some of our tips on how to "BE PREPARED" for a camping trip.  

(For info on our planned camping trips, see the Announcements and Calendar pages.)

Things to Pack for a Camping Trip

Items to pack for a Weekend Camping Trip

Campcraft items:
  • water bottle
  • Boy Scout handbook & pen
  • sleeping bag, mat or pad, pillow case
  • pocket knife and your Totin' Chip
  • mess kit: plate, cup for hot & cold, cutlery
  • flashlight (plus a spare)
  • folding chair
Clothing:
  • Class A uniform, on a hanger [not needed from some trips]
  • Class B uniform (Troop 150 red T-shirt)
  • shirt, pants, socks for each day
  • plus extra pair of socks per day
  • hiking boots or sturdy shoes
  • something to sleep in
  • hat (red Troop 150 cap recommended)
  • rain poncho
Personal care:
  • toothbrush & paste
  • soap, shampoo
  • shaving needs
  • towel, bandanna or washcloth
Food:
  • sack dinner for Friday night (subs are popular)
  • energy bars, trail mix (in sealable container)
Optional:
  • cards (playing cards or MTG)
  • ball, Frisbee, etc.
  • fishing pole
  • compass
  • fire starter (no liquid fuels!)
  • duct tape, twine, bungee cords, rope
  • hatchet, hammer, camp shovel, pliers, screwdriver
  • groundcloth, tarp
In most cases, the Troop will be bringing (and you don't have to bring)
  • tents (however, you are allowed to bring your own)
  • food for Saturday and Sunday
  • cooking setup & fuel
  • camp lanterns
Things to leave home:
      • candy (you don't need the sugar, and the campsite doesn't need the candy wrappers)
      • anything that is electronic:
        • iPod, mp3 player, DVD player
        • GameBoy, Nintendo DS, PSP
        • cell phone, smart phone, laptop, netbook, PDA



Additional items for Warm Weather Camping
  • bug spray
  • sunscreen lotion
  • light jacket or hoodie
  • at least one pair of long pants or sweatpants

Additional items for Cold Weather Camping
  • clothing layers
  • T-shirts, flannel shirt, sweater, jacket
  • long underwear, long pants, sweat pants

Additional items for Summer Camp

In addition to the list for "warm weather items", you'll want to bring:
  • materials required by your selected merit badges:
    • stuff to bring (e.g.: First Aid badge requires you to bring a first aid kit)
    • stuff to do ahead (e.g.: meal planning for Cooking; writing assignments for Environmental Science)
    • money for supplies specified (e.g.: small fee for leatherworking supplies, or arrow kit used in Archery merit badge)
    • for a full list of prerequisites, see the individual activities page on the Ockanickon site
  • pencil and paper
  • second pair of shoes
  • swim suit
  • napsack (small backpack for day use)
  • optional Friday rafting trip (if offered):
    • raft-operator's permission slip
    • participation fee
  • optional:
    • mosquito netting for your bunk
    • extra money for snack bar items (ice cream, cool drinks, etc)
    • wolverine repellent
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