Camping Scoutcraft Badge

“ A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room. ” — Robert Baden-Powell

This badge teaches the scout about the great joy of camping and the necessary skills need to make you camping trip one to remember.

Badge Requirements

Camping

1. Make a layout plan of a typical Patrol campsite. Show the position of the camp kitchen, the fireplace, dining table with flysheet, dining table and flysheet, latrine, and tentage for at least six Scouts. Explain how and why weather, season, wind, fuel, and water supply are taken into consideration when choosing a site. Explain what care to take with regard to safe water, sanitary facilities, and emergencies.
2. Explain how a Patrol's typical activities are organised in setting up camp (e.g. pitching tents, digging latrines, making the kitchen etc). List the duties you would allocate to each member of the Patrol during camp.
3. Prepare a checklist detailing:
   1. The personal kit that you will need for a Troop camp lasting a three days two nights.
   2. The personal kit that you will need for a weekend camp in summer and in winter.
   3. All the camping equipment needed for a weekend Patrol camp. Be able to justify your choice.
4. Demonstrate how to correctly pack your personal kit in a rucksack or kitbag for an overnight Patrol camp.
5. Prepare a camp menu for an overnight Patrol camp of at least six Scouts covering two breakfasts, two lunches, and two suppers (some tinned food may be used). Make a food list for the Patrol. List the foods required for your menu that you can get from your local store with their prices.
6. At an overnight standing Patrol camp:
   1. Assist in the preparation of the camp programme.
   2. Lay out the campsite according to the principles in (1) above.
   3. With another Scout, pitch a Patrol tent, or build a shelter, taking into consideration the weather and terrain. Strike and pack the tent or dismantle the shelter. Know how to take care of tents, including the correct storage of tents between camps.
   4. While camping, cook all meals for yourself and your patrol for twenty-four hours to the satisfaction of the examiner. Raw ingredients must be used in cooking the meals. (For this requirement, it is acceptable for the candidate to take charge of the kitchen, in cooking the meals for the whole Patrol, with the help of other Scouts, but under their overall supervision.)
   5. Make a comfortable bed on the ground and sleep in it overnight. Use a groundsheet, padding of clothes, rucksack, grass, straw, hip hole etc.
   6. While in camp show the right way to:
      1. Store your food and gear against heat, animals, insects, and wet in bad weather.
      2. Dispose of refuse and maintain correct hygiene standards.
      3. Take precautions against the spread of fires.
   7. Make three camp gadgets in camp and use them.
7. Have camped under canvas or in the open as a Scout for a total of not less than twelve nights (not necessarily continuous).

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• Camping Scoutcraft Badge (PDF)

Next Steps - Where This Badge Leads

Completion of this badge is required for the following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges:

• Camp Quartermaster Scout Interest Badge

Explore More Opportunities

• My Scout Journey - An overview of your path in Scouting - from joining to earning top awards like the Springbok Award.
• Scout Advancement Programme - The core steps Scouts follow to build skills and earn theme badges and advancement badges.
• Scoutcraft Badges - Aimed at Scouts 11 to 13. Fun, hands-on badges that build confidence, essential skills, and lay the foundation for Interest Badges.
• Scout Interest Badges - Aimed at Scouts 13 and older. Badges that promote personal growth through exploring interests, hobbies, and skills.
• Camping
• Tent tips
• First Aid