Camping

Camping is one of the activities that sets Scouting apart from other youth organizations.

Campouts give the boys an opportunity to work on skills such as cooking or map and compass as well as leadership and teamwork.

It's important to remember that campouts are where the boys get to demonstrate the things that they have learned. They are also an opportunity for the boys to learn what it is that they don't know. Many of the things learned in school and Scouts don't seem to have any purpose until something comes up on a campout.

A perfect example of this is nutrition. The boys have been studying nutrition in school since the second grade, but until they actually have to eat from menus they prepared and shopped for, much of what they learned in school doesn't seem important. Most seem to think that mom will take care of all that stuff until forced to rely on themselves.

Campouts are an opportunity for fun and adventure but are also an opportunity for failure in an environment that offers a safety net. Failure is one of the best teachers ever but it's rarely very much fun. Occationally, things will not go as expected on a campout. Unless there is an immediate danger, the adult leaders should let the boys try to work through the situation. Occasionally, some subtle hints might be needed to get things pointed in a new direction, but the ability to react calmly and adapt quicky to an unexpected situation is one of the greatest skills that can be learned.

Campout Rules

In order to ensure the safety of everyone and to maximize the ability to promote the Scouting program, a set of rules has been established which will apply for all Troop campouts.

These rules are primarily a distillation of the rules, regulations and codes adopted by the BSA and contained in the Scout Oath and Law, the Guide to Safe Scouting, the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace.

Events administered by Cornhusker Council, other BSA Councils, other troops or other organizations may have additional rules. Campout Rules

What To Bring on a Campout

The campout rules above list a lot of things to NOT bring on a campout...so what are you supposed to bring?

Of course this is all covered in your Scout Handbook...

In general, you must bring your personal items - sleeping bag and appropriate clothing. The Patrol should be supplying the cooking supplies and the Troop supplies tents. For a more detailed list, click the link below.

Equipment List