Camping
 | This page is still work in progress |
Camping is a fun way to experience cooperative group living in the outdoors. It uses the natural surroundings to contribute significantly to physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth. Camping introduces Cubs and Scouts to various knowledge and scoutcraft skills that is useful as a Scout and beyond.
Preparing for camp
Kit list
It is important to find the right balance of being prepared, and not over-packing for camp. Here is a guide, however you will need to adapt this for the particular camp requirements, and weather conditions.
Washing & hygiene
- Soap, and other personal washing items
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Towel
Clothing
- Warm / windproof / waterproof top
- Warm clothing for evening
- Shorts, T-Shirt, casual clothes
- Purple T-Shirt and scarf – arrive and depart in this
- Underwear, socks, etc
- Hat
- Hiking shoes or strong takkies
- Swimming costume
Bedding
- Camp or hike mattress (e.g. blow-up mattress, stretcher, hiking roll-up)
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Ground sheet
Kitchen
- Plate, bowl, cup (try for paper plates or plastic rather than ceramic)
- Knife, fork, spoon, teaspoon
- Water bottle
- Drying towel
- All in a cutlery bag
Personal
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (optional)
- Torch
- Healthy, low sugar snacks are allowed but not required
- Personal medication, panado, etc
- Personal first aid kit
- Parent consent form (indicate permission to swim)
Other
- Exam Pad & Pen
All kit should be packed in a bag/rucksack. No need for electronic games or devices. Cellphones to be switched off and handed in at arrival for safe keeping.
Planning a camp
The below is an excellent guide and checklist for planning a patrol or troop hike:
See Scout Recipes for some ideas.
Budgeting for camp
See How to create a budget for scout activities for more details.
Types of camping
You could plan 'camp' indoors in a bungalow, outdoors in tents, or you could have a Backwoods camp (survival camp) where you camp in shelters.
Campsites
Have a look at the various Scout Campsites available to Scouts.
On camp
Campsite Layout
How you arrange your campsite will depend on the surroundings and how long you are camping. Some points to remember:
- Keep the fire well clear of the tent and food store. Think which way the smoke is going to blow.
- Your chopping block and woodpile should not be in the main pathway.
- Decide how you are going to dispose of rubbish. If you dig a wet pit, don't make it a booby trap! All tin cans, plastic cartons, etc. must be collected in proper litter bags and taken home for disposal.
- Latrines should be positioned downwind and away from rivers or water sources.
- If you are using a river for your water supply remember to take the drinking water upstream; then the swimming area with the washing area downstream.
Campsite gadgets
Camp gadgets should be build to make yourself feel at home, and to make your campsite functional. At a minimum, you should have:
- Boundary
- Gateway
- Tent (two if there are mixed gender)
- Table for eating
- Table for food preparation
- Fireplace
You may also want to include:
- Flagpole and parade ground
- Wet and dry pit
- Windy dryer (clothes drying rack)
- Chopping area
- Trommel rack
Camp ideas
Here are some useful camp ideas
- Pitching a tent
- The right way to pitch a tent
- Tips on tents
- Making a bed out of a blanket
- Plastic in camp
Try out these various gadgets on your next camp:
Outdoor Code
As a Scout and a camper, you should be following the Scout Outdoor Code.
Fire safety
Campfires
A campfire is a great way to build morale and have fun.